"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Woz asked, glancing toward the audience with a knowing smile. He adjusted his book, holding it up with a theatrical flair. "Now, where were we?"
He flipped through the pages thoughtfully, as though savouring each line, before arriving at the right spot.
"Ah, here it is. It seems Luz Noceda — the one formerly feared as Empress Oscura — is currently on trial, facing judgment not only for her past crimes but also for violating the terms of her banishment. After countless exchanges between the defence and prosecution, it appears the verdict may be leaning in her favour."
Woz turned another page, and his smile faded slightly, a look of concern creasing his brow.
"Oh, dear," he murmured, his tone taking on a more serious note. "It seems there's been…a bit of a hiccup."
He looked back up, his eyes gleaming with intrigue.
"Let's see how Luz and her friends will handle this unexpected turn, shall we?"
The cult had taken over the House of Justice, seizing the High Council of the United Covens and everyone present as hostages. This was the Children of Oscura's first move in their coup. Soon, Empress Oscura would be restored to her rightful place on the throne.
As the cultists surrounded the Council, the atmosphere became suffocating. Every eye in the room not associated with the girl bore down on Luz, the weight of their judgement was absolutely crushing her inside. Any chance of redemption was slipping through her fingers.
'Fuck, fuck, fuck, FUUUUCCCKKK!' Luz's mind screamed in panic.
"Crap! This is going sideways! Why did that psycho bitch have to start this now?" Sasha growled, fists clenched in frustration.
"We had a shot at 'not guilty'," Marcy muttered, shaking her head. "But after this? Ugh, this is so unfair!"
Amity tightened her grip on Luz's hand, her steady touch pulling Luz back from the chaos in her mind.
"Luz," she whispered urgently, her voice tense but controlled. "We have to act, now."
"I..." Luz's voice cracked, helplessness rising in her throat. "I didn't want this. I didn't want any of this."
"We know," Amity said softly, her voice both fierce and comforting. "But you're not Oscura anymore. Let's prove it."
"We need a distraction," Sasha suggested, her eyes darting around the room. "Something to pull their attention away from the Council."
"But how?" Marcy's voice wavered. "There are too many of them."
Before they could make a move, Bria stepped forward, raising her hand with a commanding gesture.
"Seize the Council!" Bria ordered, her voice cold and unwavering. The cultists advanced, their magic sparking in the air, poised to strike.
Luz's blood ran cold.
'No. Not again.'
"Luz," Amity murmured, her gaze fixed on Luz's face as she saw panic rise in her fiancée's eyes. She squeezed Luz's hand, grounding her.
Luz took a deep breath, standing to face Bria. She had to try to stop this and finally make them listen!
"BRIA!" Luz shouted.
Bria turned to her, her face lighting up as if she'd been waiting for Luz's praise.
"My Empress!" Bria ran to Luz. "They would have condemned you no matter what! But do not worry! These liars will fall, the Isles will be yours again and you will lead us to a new golden age!" Bria quickly drew a spell circle, shattering the chains that bound Luz. The pieces fell with a clink to the floor. "Now, My Empress, command us! We will follow you to victory!"
In any other moment, Luz might have been moved by the sheer devotion in Bria's voice. But now? This wasn't what she wanted. She had told them again and again, and they had refused to listen.
"Bria..." Luz began, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and disbelief.
"Yes, My Empress?" Bria asked eagerly, practically beaming.
Luz clenched her fists. And then, without so much as a warning, she smacked Bria across the face.
"ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID?!"
The entire room froze. Cultists, the Council, her friends, everyone stared in shock as both the slap and Luz's shout echoed through the chamber.
"M-My Empress?" Bria stammered, her voice faltering as she held her stinging cheek. "W-What's wrong?"
"WHAT'S WRONG?!" Luz's fury blazed. "Did you not hear a single thing I said during this trial? Everything that Amity, Willow, and the others said? You're pulling this stunt at the worst possible time!"
'What are you doing?!' Oscura's voice hissed in her mind. 'You're going to lose us our followers!'
'Shut up! I'm done with this,' Luz venomously shot back.
She turned, her voice strong as she addressed the entire room.
"I never wanted to be a ruler, and I sure as hell didn't ask anyone to worship me!" She faced Bria and the cultists, her heart pounding. "You have it so wrong! I wasn't a saviour! I was a scared, angry kid who didn't know when to quit! I wanted to do good, but I was selfish and I made everyone suffer for it!"
The room fell silent. Luz stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Bria, whose confidence was unravelling.
"I was broken, Bria! I lashed out because I was hurting! I tried to do the right thing, but in the end, I became a monster. I'm sorry for leading you and everyone else down that path. But I'm not who you think I am, I never was, and you all need to wake up."
Bria's face twisted in confusion.
"B-But, My Empress...we only wanted to restore you to your proper place... Y-You did so much for us, and these ungrateful—"
"SHUT UP!" Luz's voice boomed, startling Bria. "Do you really think I wanted the throne? To come back here and face the people I hurt? Every time I look back, I'm reminded of the lives I destroyed." Her voice softened, the anger replaced with a deep sadness. "All I want is to go home, marry my fiancée, and live in peace. Oscura is dead, and she's never coming back."
'You sure about that?' Oscura's voice sneered.
'I swear, I'll have Eda erase you if you don't shut up,' Luz fired back.
Bria collapsed to her knees, her face stricken.
"No...you're Oscura... our Oscura. Who's making you say this? What have they done to you?!"
"Bria, listen to me. I! AM! NOT—!"
"OSCURA!"
The courtroom floor exploded as a mass of thick, writhing vines shot up, tearing through the tiles. Luz groaned, dragging her hand down her face in frustration.
"¡Dios mío! ¿Y ahora qué? (Oh, my God! What now?!)"
Tsumuri's tablet blared with warning sirens. She glanced down, her face turning pale as her fingers shook.
"This…This can't be… That's not possible!" Tsumuri stammered, her voice was a mix of horror and disbelief.
Sasha and Marcy exchanged worried glances before turning their attention to the vines, which parted to reveal a towering blood-red flower bud. It bloomed to reveal a beautiful demoness, strutting into the room along a thick, curling vine that raised her above the crowd.
"Bria, I swear, this better not be some secret weapon you've been hiding from me," Luz warned.
"N-No, M-My Empress… I-I don't know who that is!" Bria stammered, terrified.
The demoness chuckled, her voice was a low, mocking purr.
"Well, well, well. All the major players, here in one place. How convenient. Now I won't have to hunt you down."
"Who are you?!" Raine demanded, eyes narrowed.
The creature turned to Raine, her smile widening.
"Oh, Poppet, don't you recognise me? Oh, silly me, I forgot to change. I've grown so used to this form that it's practically my true self."
Vines coiled around the demoness's body, covering her from head to toe in a shroud of writhing tendrils. They pulsed briefly with an eerie green glow before retracting, revealing a youthful face framed by a wicked smirk.
"Anyone remember me now?" she asked, her voice dripping with mockery.
"I'm drawing a blank here. Does anyone recognize her?" Willow murmured, glancing around, a chill creeping over her.
"Well, whoever she is, she's got that hot villainess vibe going for her," Eda muttered, eyeing the transformed witch.
The stranger sighed in mock disappointment.
"Still nothing?" Her lips twisted in annoyance before she scoffed. "I suppose it has been some time since anyone's laid eyes on my beauty." She raised her voice. "You'll know me as the former Head Witch of the Plant Coven, Terra Snapdragon!"
"TERRA?!" the Council members shouted in unison, voices laced with shock and disbelief.
Eda's expression soured as her face turned a shade greener.
"Excuse me while I throw up."
"What?" Sasha asked, wrinkling her nose. "Why's that such a bad thing?"
Gus leaned closer, grimacing.
"I don't know what happened to her, but Terra Snapdragon was an old woman, like really old."
Sasha cringed.
"Yikes. Talk about an extreme makeover."
Darius stepped forward, demanding, "What do you want, Terra?"
Vtimir cut in, his eyes narrowed with suspicion and curiosity simultaneously.
"And how did you manage such a transformation? Did you create some sort of advanced youth potion?"
"Ah, Vtimir," Terra replied with sickly sweetness, inclining her head. "Glad you asked." She gave him a mocking smile. "In truth, it's not thanks to a potion at all. It's thanks to Oscura and her little friends."
"What?!" Luz blurted, her voice thick with disbelief. "We never did anything to you!"
Terra's smile sharpened, her eyes gleaming with malice.
"Other than kill me, of course. But more than that, you brought those fascinating creatures into our world: the Jyamatos. These creatures were beyond anything I could have conjured. After some experimentation, I discovered how to bond with their physiology. Infect? Assimilate?" She shrugged with mock modesty. "Whatever the term, I became one of them. And I am so much more now."
In a horrifying display, Terra's body shifted, vines bursting forth as she morphed back into her beautiful Jyamato form.
"Now, I'm more powerful than I've ever been," she hissed. "It's time the Demon Realm had a true ruler — not a human with a vendetta, nor a whining child craving recognition. No. This realm deserves a true witch queen." Her eyes burned as they fixed on Luz. "But first, I'm going to take my time with you, Oscura. Because of you, I've suffered one humiliation after another. And then…I'm going to kill you. Slowly. Painfully. I'll even make you writhe and scream. You'll be begging for death before I'm through with you."
"Oh, please," Sasha scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You turned yourself into a Jyamato? How lame. Do you have any idea how many of those things we've mowed down? You'll just be another notch on our Rider belts."
Tsumuri's stern voice cut through the air, laced with real fear.
"Sasha Waybright, do not make light of this!"
Sasha and Marcy turned, alarmed at the unusual edge in Tsumuri's voice.
"Tsumuri, what's wrong?" Marcy asked. "Why do you look so scared?"
Tsumuri swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on Terra's beautiful yet monstrous form.
"Because…Ms. Wu…this is no ordinary Jyamato." She took a shuddering breath, forcing herself to continue. "Terra Snapdragon has become one of the most powerful and deadliest types of Jyamato in all of DGP history. She's…a Queen Jyamato."
"PPPPPPPPPPPPPPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!" Lumina spat out her drink, eyes wide with disbelief.
Amara's jaw dropped as the sandwich she'd been holding slipped from her fingers, landing forgotten on the floor.
Oliver, standing beside them, felt his left eye twitch as he stared at the screen.
"She… She didn't just say that…did she?" Amara spoke, her voice was a mix of shock and incredulity.
"I'm afraid…" Oliver said slowly, struggling to process it himself. "…she did."
The Game Master stood frozen, his hands visibly trembling as he took in the scene before him. His shock mirrored that of the audience, which had descended into full-blown panic. Alarms blared, and messages flooded in from concerned viewers, all sharing one frantic realization: a Queen Jyamato had risen. They knew all too well the unspeakable devastation a creature like her could unleash upon their world…and every other one.
"Archimedel! You bastard! What have you done?" the Game Master snarled under his breath, fury and fear lacing his words.
There was a sudden flicker, and a holographic screen appeared in front of him, displaying the three DGP sponsors.
{Game Master!} Lumina's voice rang out, raw with urgency.
"Yes, I'm aware!" he barked, his voice strained.
{Then you understand how bad this is!} Amara Blight interjected. {Forget the game, forget the show! They're in real danger!}
"We're all in danger, Ms. Blight!" he snapped, forcing himself to stay focused. "Get ready to move out, all three of you!"
With a swipe, he closed their screen, only for another to pop up, this time showing Ted Waybright's face flushed with anger.
{Game Master!} Waybright's voice boomed, barely contained.
The Game Master let out a frustrated sigh.
"Yes, Mr. Waybright?"
{I've tolerated this nonsense up until now because you assured me that my daughter would be safe! But now, you've got a Queen Jyamato on the loose!}
"Don't worry, Mr. Waybright. I'll handle everything, I promise!" he assured, shutting off the screen before Waybright could respond. Swiping his hand again, he opened another connection.
Tsumuri's tablet suddenly displayed the masked face of the Game Master, his voice tight with urgency.
{Tsumuri!}
"Yes, sir?!"
{Riders, listen up. As of now, the Desire Grand Prix is suspended! This is no longer a game! You must destroy that Queen Jyamato, or everything — our lives, your world, even the DGP's — will be destroyed! Given the gravity of this situation, I'm granting emergency Rider credentials to Willow Park and Augustus Porter with access to any Raise Buckle they need!}
Two Mission Boxes materialized in Willow's and Gus's laps.
"Whoa, we get to be Riders again?!" Gus exclaimed with a thrill of excitement, glancing at Willow.
"It's got to be bad if we're getting called in now," Willow deduced, bracing herself.
{And I am also granting emergency credentials to Boscha Barbtalone!}
"WHAT?!" Amity shouted in complete outrage, yanking the tablet from Tsumuri's hands. "Are you insane?! You do know how unhinged she is, right?! After everything she did?!"
Sasha sprang up beside her, fists clenched.
"That psycho drugged me, attacked Amity, and made me hurt Marcy! And now you're giving her Rider powers again?!"
{This isn't the time for grudges, Ms. Waybright!} the Game Master snapped. {You don't understand the scale of this threat. A Queen Jyamato poses an existential risk. This isn't about trust, it's about survival!}
Sasha clenched her jaw.
"Then use your wish-granting powers to wipe her out already!"
{You think I'd be this concerned if it were that simple?! A Queen Jyamato is immune to our 'wish-granting' abilities! Right now, you're all our only hope.}
Luz stepped forward.
"Fine, but we need people we trust watching our backs," she compromised. "Anyone would be better than Boscha!"
The Game Master exhaled sharply.
{Fine! Tsumuri, I'm sending you a list of qualified Riders. Get to them, now!}
"Yes, sir!" Tsumuri nodded, taking back the tablet before she turned to the others. "Good luck, everyone, I'll return with reinforcements!" With a final nod, she tapped her tablet, vanishing from the courtroom.
Terra wasted no time. She unleashed a torrent of thorny vines that shot toward Luz with deadly precision. Luz barely had a chance to react, instinctively raising her arms to shield herself, only for a massive wall of hardened Abomination slime to rise up, deflecting the attack.
"Don't you dare touch my Luz!" Amity shouted, eyes blazing as glowing purple spell circles lit up around her hands.
"Ah, right, friends. How quaint," Terra sneered. "Good thing I brought some friends of my own. Adrian, dear! Enter stage right!"
The wall on the right side of the courtroom exploded in a burst of shattered stone and dust. A massive flower bloomed from the debris, and standing amidst the petals, Adrian Graye rose, giving an exaggerated bow.
"Behold, the true star of the show has arrived!" he announced with a theatrical flourish. "And here's my entourage!"
Pawn Jyamatos poured in behind him, clambering over the broken wall and crawling up from the hole in the floor.
As his army assembled, Adrian's body began to change. Vines coiled around him, encasing him in a cocoon before absorbing back into his body, revealing his new form: Adrian's sleek, almost feminine figure was now adorned in leathery black and red skin, his head crowned with a sharp horn and a frame of deep purple petals. A waist cape flowed at his back while wicked thorns protruded from his wrists and ankles. His tail ended in an ominous orchid, and razor-sharp claws extended from his right hand.
"Introducing the Amazing Adrian Graye!" he declared, grinning as he bowed.
"Hold up, he's a Jyamato now too?!" Gus cried, wide-eyed.
"I needed a test subject for my little experiment," Terra smirked. "And dear Adrian here was a convenient volunteer."
"And while I wasn't thrilled about it, I have to say, the results are spectacular," Adrian confessed. "Especially since I'll get to repay Oscura for what she'd done to me. Now, my cast and crew, kill them all!"
The Jyamatos roared and surged forward.
Sasha ducked under an incoming blade, gripping her Raise Buckle tightly.
"Henshin!"
[MONSTER!]
A Jyamato charged at her, but her armoured fist sent it flying as soon as her transformation was completed.
"Marcy, let's go!"
"Right!" Marcy darted through the chaos, dodging the Jyamatos as she put on her Desire Driver. Sliding her Raise Buckle in, she called, "Henshin!"
[NINJA!]
Her armour materialized just as she spun to deliver a slash with her Ninja Dueler, joining Soaron as the two stood ready against the encroaching swarm.
Amity summoned her own Abomination hands, smacking down the Jyamatos swarming her.
"Henshin!"
[ZOMBIE!]
With her Zombie Breaker in hand, Gato slashed through her attackers, a fierce grin on her face as she fought beside her friends.
"C'mon, Gus!" Willow urged, snapping her Driver on. "Let's do this!"
"Yeah!" Gus's Driver flared as he locked in his Raise Buckle.
[MONSTER!]
[NINJA!]
With their new armour, Honey charged the Jyamatos, knocking them down with heavy punches. Meanwhile, Mirage sprinted past, using his illusion magic to create copies of himself, confusing the Jyamatos before slashing them with his twin Ninja Duelers.
Newtonne glanced at her teammates, noticing the matching armour.
"Look at that, we're twinning!"
Soaron grimaced, landing a blow on a Jyamato.
"We're matching suits? Ugh, as if this fight wasn't bad enough... But I'll make an exception this time!"
Down in the dark, damp depths of the dungeon, Boscha was pacing her cell, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Suddenly, a faint mechanical hum filled the air, and she stopped in her tracks. A Mission Box shimmered into existence before her, landing with a dull thud on the stone floor. Startled, Boscha stared at it for a moment before moving closer, curiosity overcoming her confusion.
She crouched down, carefully opening the box. Inside, gleaming in the dim light, was a Desire Driver, her own ID Core, a Boost Raise Buckle, and a small slip of paper. She picked up the note and skimmed it, her expression quickly turning to a scowl.
"Can't believe they're actually doing this," Boscha muttered, eyeing the items in the Mission Box with a mix of surprise and satisfaction. But as the realization set in, a dark, gleeful glint lit up her eyes. She grabbed the Desire Driver, fastening it around her waist, letting its weight settle like the return of something long-missed. Her scowl melted into a wicked grin as she slid the ID Core into place, feeling the familiar surge of power pulse through her. Finally, she picked up the Boost Buckle and set it into her Driver.
[Set!]
"Let's fucking go," she whispered, her voice dripping with anticipation. She raised her hand, clenched her fist, and with a single commanding word, she activated her transformation. "Henshin!"
The Driver responded immediately, energy bursting forth as it wrapped around her, each piece of armour snapping into place with lethal precision.
[BOOST!]
Flames roared to life around her, swirling in a vortex of red-hot energy that blasted the cell bars into shards of molten metal, obliterating the door and leaving a scorched path in her wake. She didn't spare a glance at the cell she was leaving behind as she rocketed out of the dungeon, a streak of blazing red. The chaos above awaited her, and she was more than ready to dive headlong into it, unleashing her full fury on anyone foolish enough to stand in her way.
Luz clenched her fists as she watched her friends fend off the onslaught of Jyamatos. Her focus was broken when she noticed Bria approaching with a look of shame shadowing her face.
"My...My Empress, I know I have wronged you," Bria admitted, voice barely above a whisper. She held out a familiar object in her hands. "As a token of my apology, we've gathered your items."
Luz's eyes widened as she saw her Desire Driver in Bria's hands. Without hesitation, she snatched it up, snapping it around her waist with a sense of purpose.
[Desire Driver!]
She took the Raise Buckles, weighing her options quickly before making her choice.
"Bria, if you really want to make up for what you did, then I need your help getting everyone to safety," Luz commanded, her voice steady. She cast a sweeping look at the remaining cultists, who stood in uncertainty. "That goes for the rest of you! Get the Council and the civilians out of here. Now, go!"
One of the cultists began moving to help, but just then, a Jyamato lunged at Luz, weapon raised. She moved with practised precision, sliding the selected Raise Buckle into her Driver before the creature could strike.
"Henshin!"
[MAGNUM!]
A series of bullets burst forth from the Buckle, each one hitting its mark on the Jyamato, driving it backwards. The bullets then curved back, striking the Buckle's logo as the Magnum Armour appeared around her Entry Form suit, snapping into place piece by piece. Her helmet locked down, and the Magnum Shooter materialized in her right hand — its weight familiar and welcome.
Oscura stepped forward, taking aim with calm determination.
"Alright," she muttered, tightening her grip on the Magnum Shooter. "It's showtime."
With practised precision, she fired, each shot taking down Jyamato after Jyamato as her friends fought beside her.
The broadcast continued to be shown live across the Boiling Isles, and every witch, demon, and creature tuned in, their gazes locked on their crystal balls and scrolls. Terra Snapdragon's appearance, her transformation into something monstrous, and her chilling command of a twisted new army had sent waves of shock and terror through the realm. Now, the people watched as Luz — once Oscura — alongside her fellow Riders, fought to push back Terra's forces — the nightmarish creatures advancing like a dark tide.
This broadcast was now a carefully curated spectacle. It was raw, chaotic, and terrifyingly real, echoing the scenes of the Day of Liberation. Citizens watched with bated breath as Luz, clad in her Rider armour, moved with intense focus, dodging and countering each strike with the skill and desperation of someone fighting to protect everything she held dear. Familiar faces — Amity, Sasha, Marcy, Willow and Gus — fought beside her, wielding their weapons with equal ferocity. Each Rider brought a unique strength to the battlefield, their movements precise and unified as they fought to repel Terra's monstrous minions.
For the people of the Isles, the scene was hauntingly reminiscent of their darkest memories. But something felt different this time. There was a sense of resolve in Luz's stance, a fire in her movements that didn't speak of conquest, but of redemption.
"She's…fighting for us," someone whispered, almost in disbelief.
Another onlooker, a former sceptic of Luz's repentance, leaned forward, nodding in agreement.
"For us...and with us."
The battle raged on as it was being captured on the live feed. Terra's twisted laugh echoed across the screen, her figure looming as she taunted Luz and her allies, threatening not just their lives, but the very future of the Boiling Isles. Yet, the people watched Luz stand her ground, unwavering, even as the weight of her past seemed to press down on her from all sides.
With every move she made, every blow she struck, Luz was showing them all who she had chosen to be: not Oscura, but something stronger.
The courtroom echoed with the sounds of battle, blasts and shouts filling the air as each Rider fought to hold back the invading Jyamatos. Amidst the chaos, Emira found herself cornered, a Pawn Jyamato advancing on her, carrying a gleaming blade.
As it raised the weapon, ready to strike, a voice sliced through the noise.
"HEY! GET AWAY FROM MY EMIRA!"
The Jyamato turned, only to be met with a bestial claw slashing through the air. The claws tore into its head, green ichor spraying as the creature was sent crashing backwards, limp and lifeless. Emira looked up, her eyes wide as she saw Viney standing there, her arms transformed into a powerful set of furry, monstrous limbs that had claws dripping with Jyamato blood.
"Em!" Viney shouted, grabbing her arm firmly. "Let's get out of here!"
Elsewhere, Skara unleashed a powerful sonic wave from her harp, disorienting the Jyamatos surrounding Edric and giving him a chance to regroup. Nearby, Alador's eyes narrowed as he watched his daughter — now a Rider — fight off the creatures with her brutal efficiency, considering, for the first time, the possibility of developing a magical suit of armour himself.
"Dad!" Edric called, reaching his father. "Come on! We need to get out of here!"
"Ah, right," Alador nodded as Edric took his hand.
Eda, meanwhile, was fighting her own battle, spinning Owlbert like a staff and using it to cast a spell circle, launching a fireball that blazed through the air and set the Jyamatos ablaze.
"Hah! That's what you get for messing with the strongest witch on the Isles!" she crowed, flipping her orange hair with a grin. Just as she turned to strike another, a group of Pawn Jyamatos charged at her — but Oscura landed beside her, her Magnum Shooter already aimed and ready.
With the Magnum Shooter set to Rifle Mode and her Magnum Buckle attached to it, Oscura pulled the trigger.
[MAGNUM! TACTICAL BLAST!]
A barrage of precise energy blasts erupted from her Magnum Shooter, each shot taking down a Jyamato with pinpoint accuracy until the entire group was reduced to smouldering fragments.
"Nice shooting, kid!" Eda praised with admiration and a hint of pride in her voice.
"Eda, take Raine and get out of here," Oscura said, her tone firm but tinged with urgency. Eda blinked, momentarily taken aback.
"You want me to leave? Fat chance," she scoffed, brushing off the request. But the pleading edge in Oscura's voice stopped her.
"Eda, this isn't a game. Please, you need to go back to the Owl House where it's safe," Oscura urged, the concern in her voice unmistakable even through the helmet.
Though Eda couldn't see Luz's face, she could feel her seriousness. With a reluctant nod, she rested a hand on Oscura's shoulder.
"Alright," she conceded. "But only because I know you've got this." She paused, giving Oscura a smile filled with both confidence and a touch of motherly concern. "Go get 'em, Luz." She turned to find Raine, leaving Oscura to take on the Jyamatos.
A Jyamato crept up behind Skara, its blade raised for a strike. Before it could land, a blur of red streaked past, and the creature went flying, crashing into the wall with a crunch.
Skara whipped around, eyes wide, as the figure in red armour straightened.
"Skara, you OK?" Red-Pan asked.
"Boscha?!" Skara blinked in shock recognising her voice, staring at the Rider. "Is that you?"
Red-Pan grinned under her helmet.
"Do you know anyone else this badass? Well, besides Amity, obviously."
Skara looked at her old friend, emotions swirling within her.
"Why did you save me?"
Red-Pan paused, glancing at the approaching Jyamatos before answering, her voice rougher than usual.
"Look, Skara...I'm not looking for redemption or any of that crap. But you and Amelia stuck by me when you didn't have to. I'm not about to see you get hurt, not when I finally have the power to do something about it."
Red-Pan lifted the FeverSlot Buckle and snapped it onto her Driver.
[Set Fever!]
"Let's get wild!" she declared, flipping the Driver around before hitting the arm of the FeverSlot Buckle.
[Revolve On!]
[GOLDEN FEVER! JACKPOT! HIT! GOLDEN FEVER!]
The armour reconfigured, giving her both halves of the Boost Armour, magnifying her power as a golden scarf wrapped around her neck. With jets of fire from her legs, Red-Pan blurred into action. In an instant, she cut through seven Jyamatos in a whirlwind of punches and kicks. Each blow was so fast Skara could barely follow it, watching in awe as Red-Pan reappeared, her posture braced and confident, as the Jyamatos exploded in the distance.
Red-Pan turned back to Skara, her voice a bit softer, though she still held her defiant tone.
"I'm not asking to be friends again, but I won't let you get hurt — not if I can help it."
Skara hesitated, torn between gratitude and lingering mistrust. She knew all that Boscha had done, knew the pain she had caused her friends, especially Amity. But, at this moment, she could feel that old loyalty.
"Get as many people out of here as you can," Red-Pan ordered. "I'll cover you."
Skara was about to run off but stopped, turning back.
"Boscha...I know you hate Oscura and everything she did, but right now, this is bigger than you, me, or Amity. The whole Isles are at stake."
"I know that," Red-Pan grunted, though there was a note of irritation.
Skara took a deep breath, her voice sincere.
"Then I'm asking you, just for now, don't let your pride get in the way of saving everyone. I know you're not looking for redemption, but if you have any care left for any of us…please do the right thing."
Red-Pan stiffened, avoiding Skara's gaze, then turned back to the battle, her expression unreadable.
"…You're really putting me on the spot, Skara," she muttered before leaping back into the fray, her movements as sharp and determined as ever.
Oscura fired her Magnum Shooter at the Jyamatos, each shot hitting its mark and clearing a path for the fleeing civilians. She glanced around, feeling a surge of grim satisfaction as she saw the cultists following her orders, helping people escape. She may not be their Empress anymore, but at least they respected her enough to obey her commands.
Her eyes fell on Honey, who was holding her own against a small crowd of Pawn Jyamatos. Honey moved with practised strength, but she was still outnumbered. Without hesitation, Oscura reached into her hammerspace and pulled out the Powered Builder Buckle.
"Willow, heads up!" she called, throwing the Buckle toward her friend.
Hearing her name, Honey delivered a powerful uppercut to a Jyamato's chin, then jumped and caught the Buckle in midair, landing smoothly as she backhanded another Jyamato that tried to flank her.
"Thanks, Luz!" Honey shouted back.
Just then, a Mission Box materialized at Honey's feet, drawing her attention. She knelt down, opening the box to reveal the polished red chrome finish of the Boost Buckle. Honey's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Guess the Game Master wasn't kidding about going all out. Well, I'm not looking a gift snorse in the mouth!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Honey swapped out her Monster Buckle for the Powered Builder and Boost Buckles, slotting them both into her Desire Driver.
[Set Creation!]
[DEPLOYED POWERED SYSTEM!]
[BOOST!]
The Monster Armor faded, replaced by the heavyset, powered-up combination of the Boost and Powered Builder Armor. The thick, reinforced armour settled over her, transforming her into a towering force as the machinery hummed to life.
"Oh yeah, this is what I'm talking about!"
Three Pawn Jyamatos lunged at her from above, swords raised, confident that her heavier armour would slow her down. But they were in for a nasty surprise. The exhaust pipes on Honey's legs roared to life, jets of red-hot flames igniting as she dashed out of the way in a blur, the sound of a revving engine echoing across the room. She moved as fast as a racing motorcycle, leaving the Jyamatos to crash into the ground, bewildered.
With fluid precision, she removed the Gigant Hammer Buckle from her belt and inserted it into the Powered Builder Buckle's slot.
[GIGANT HAMMER!]
A massive hammer materialized in her right hand. Honey grinned beneath her helmet, gripping it tightly as the three Jyamatos turned to face her, only to freeze as they realized their fate. With one mighty swing, she brought the hammer crashing down, smashing all three in one go. They flew through the air, each one exploding in a shower of green ichor and debris.
Another Jyamato rushed her, aiming for her flank, but with the Boost Armour's speed, she was already out of reach. Appearing at its side, Honey swung the Gigant Hammer in a deadly arc, sending it flying as it burst apart, splattering the walls in green slime. She shouldered the hammer, scanning the battlefield with a fierce smile that even her helmet couldn't hide.
"C'mon," she challenged, her voice dripping with defiance. "WHO ELSE WANTS SOME?!"
Mirage darted through the battlefield, his illusion magic flickering around him in bursts of light, confusing the Jyamatos and giving him fleeting moments to strike. Despite his efforts, the sheer number of enemies threatened to overwhelm him, their relentless assault pushing him back as he fought to maintain his ground.
Thinking fast, he drew a large spell circle in the air, the symbols glowing brightly as he poured his energy into it. With a quick slash of his hand, the circle shattered, scattering dozens of illusionary copies of himself across the battlefield. Each Mirage moved independently, weaving around the Jyamatos and creating chaos in their ranks.
The creatures staggered, momentarily thrown off as they swung wildly at the illusions, their blades slicing through empty air. The real Mirage used the distraction to slip through the crowd, slashing down several Jyamatos with swift, calculated strikes, his movements a blend of agility and precision.
But even with his illusions sowing confusion, the Jyamatos continued to close in on him, their coordination slowly improving as they adjusted to his tricks. Mirage took a steadying breath, gripping his Ninja Dueler tighter.
"Titan, I need some extra power here," Mirage muttered, gripping his Ninja Dueler tightly. Almost as if in response to his prayer, a Mission Box appeared at his feet. He dropped to one knee, cracked it open, and found a Command Jet Buckle gleaming inside. His HUD flashed the Buckle's specs. With a smirk, he grabbed it and swapped it in for the Ninja Buckle.
[Set!]
[GREAT!]
The Ninja Armour faded, replaced by a new hi-tech orange visor that snapped across his eyes, and the Raising Sword materialized in his hand.
"Uh, this is cool and all, but is this it?!" he called out in frustration, eyeing the incoming Jyamatos.
Newtonne slashed down a Jyamato, her voice carrying across the battlefield.
"You have to charge it up! Keep slashing until the blade glows!"
Mirage tightened his grip on the Raising Sword, determination flashing in his eyes. Trusting Newtonne's words, he sprinted toward a group of Jyamatos advancing on a cluster of frightened civilians. With a powerful leap, Mirage flipped through the air, landing squarely between the Jyamatos and the witches. Without hesitation, he launched into action, each slash of his blade sending sparks flying as he cut his way through the monsters. The Raising Sword pulsed with each impact, gradually brightening as he carved through one Jyamato after another.
By the time he cut down the eighth Pawn Jyamato, the blade was shining with energy.
[Full Charge!]
"Okay, it's lit up! Now what?!" he called out.
Soaron delivered a swift right cross to a Jyamato, then spun to backhand another one to the ground. Between strikes, she shouted, "Take the other half of the Buckle off the sword, and go wild!"
Mirage didn't hesitate. He detached the other half of the Command Twin Buckle, feeling a surge of power as he activated the transformation.
[Twin Set!]
[TAKE OFF COMPLETE! JET & CANNON!]
Two mechanical arms materialised, locking the Jet and Cannon Armor pieces onto Mirage in a seamless motion. The Jet Armor snapped over his upper body, while the Cannon Armor locked onto his legs, forming a powerful dual-weapon system.
"Whoa-ho-ho! Now, this is what I'm talking about!" Mirage shouted, excitement surging through him.
With a burst, the thrusters at Mirage's hips ignited, and the wings of the Twin Command Armour flared to life. Mirage shot up into the air, zooming around the massive courtroom as he cut through several Jyamatos mid-flight. His sword left a trail of sparks with each strike as he zipped past, scattering the enemy ranks. When he spotted a group of Jyamatos advancing toward Oscura, he immediately shifted gears.
[Revolve On!]
The armour rotated, swapping positions, the Cannon Armour now forming his upper body while the Jet Armour covered his legs. Without missing a beat, Mirage targeted the group near Oscura and unleashed a barrage of energy blasts from the shoulder-mounted cannons. Explosions erupted behind her, and the Jyamatos fell back in pieces.
Oscura turned as Mirage descended, landing solidly on the floor with a thud, unharmed and ready for more.
"Thanks for the assist, Gus!" Oscura called out, giving him a quick nod of gratitude.
"I got your back, Luz!" Mirage promised, raising his sword in determination.
With a nod, Oscura resumed her attack, blasting through Jyamatos as fast as they advanced. Gato appeared at her side, taking up a stance as she swung her Zombie Breaker, expertly fending off Jyamatos who got too close to her fiancée.
"Luz, we can't keep fighting in here — it's way too cramped! And with all these people, someone's bound to get hurt!" Gato warned, scanning the chaos around them.
"I know. Let's take this outside!" Oscura's gaze shifted upward, locking onto the towering form of Queen Jyamato Terra Snapdragon. Her eyes narrowed. "She's here for me anyway. I'll lure her out so we can take her down! I just hope the crowd outside is clear by now."
"I'm with you!" Gato supported, tightening her grip on the Zombie Breaker.
[Set! Dual On!]
Oscura attached the Boost Buckle to her Driver and activated it.
[GET READY FOR BOOST & MAGNUM!]
As soon as the Boost Armour appeared and equipped itself to her, the Boostriker roared into existence beside her. In one fluid motion, Oscura swung herself onto the seat, revving the engine with a fierce glint in her eye. Gato climbed on behind her, holding tight as Oscura twisted the throttle, revving again and again to draw Terra's attention.
"HEY, TERRA!" Oscura shouted, her voice echoing through the chaos. "I BROUGHT YOU BACK TO LIFE, AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET? UNBELIEVABLE! YOU'RE SO UNGRATEFUL!"
The Queen Jyamato's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with venom.
"OH, I'LL SHOW YOU JUST HOW GRATEFUL I AM, YOU INSOLENT LITTLE WHELP!"
Gato glanced at her fiancée, smirking.
"She's mad."
"Oh, yeah," Oscura agreed, revving the Boostriker's engine. "Hold on tight!"
Terra raised her arm, commanding her vines to lash out toward the two. Oscura hit the throttle, dodging forward as the thick vines cracked through the air, their thorny tendrils striking the floor just behind them. Gato held on with one hand, slashing her chainsaw sword at any vines that came too close as they sped toward the far wall of the courtroom.
"Brace yourself!" Oscura instructed.
Gato tucked her head against Oscura's back just as the Boostriker smashed through the wall. With a spray of rubble, they burst out into the open, skidding onto the street as Oscura took off. She pushed the Boostriker to full speed, weaving through the empty streets as the vines chased them, slamming into the pavement with explosive force just behind her.
Once they were far enough from the House of Justice, Oscura pulled to a stop, her eyes scanning the scene. Protesters and reporters had scattered, but a few lingered at a safe distance, recording the spectacle live for everyone to see.
"You good, Amity?" Oscura inquired, glancing over her shoulder.
"Fine," Gato assured, catching her breath. "But…what about Terra? Did she–?"
Before Gato could finish, the front of the House of Justice exploded outward in a shower of debris. Terra emerged, flanked by a horde of Jyamatos and Adrian, who flashed a mocking grin.
"Never mind…"
"LUZ!"
Oscura and Gato turned at the familiar voices. Mirage swooped in from above, Honey sprinted onto the scene, and Soaron and Newtonne appeared at her side. Moments later, Red-Pan dashed forward to join them, drawing immediate glares from Gato and Soaron.
"I know, I know. You both want to kill me and maybe kick my ass into oblivion," Red-Pan deadpanned, barely meeting their eyes.
"Oh-ho, that's only scratching the surface of what I'd like to do to you," Soaron growled, fist raised.
"I never got my chance to make you pay for what you put Luz through," Gato snarled at Red-Pan, her voice cold. "Or for what you tried to do to me back on Earth."
"Amity, Sasha, cool it! Now's not the time," Newtonne interrupted, a note of urgency in her voice. "You heard the Game Master: it's all hands on deck. If we don't set aside our issues, we're toast."
Red-Pan smirked, raising an eyebrow.
"Didn't expect that from you, Wu."
"Don't get me wrong, I'd love some payback," Newtonne shot back sharply. "But right now? I care more about keeping the Multiverse intact."
Red-Pan's gaze locked with Oscura's, and the two Riders held each other's stare for what felt like an eternity. Tension simmered between them, unspoken challenges and grudges hovering just under the surface.
"I know you hate me," Oscura said, her voice low. "I know you see me as the reason everything went wrong. And yeah, I own up to some of that. But right now, if we don't fight together, we're all dead. You, me, Amity, both of our realms, everything. So, how about a truce? Just until this is over?"
Red-Pan hesitated, then spoke with a slow, simmering intensity.
"Let's get one thing straight, Oscura: I still want to beat you within an inch of your life and take that last inch away as painfully as possible." Her words landed like hammer blows.
Gato stepped forward, raising her Zombie Breaker, her eyes blazing, but Oscura lifted a hand, silently halting her.
"But…" Red-Pan continued, her voice tinged with reluctant resolve. "Just this once, I'll fight with you. So I'll agree to a truce. But know this: you're not allowed to die until I get my shot at you."
Oscura managed a hard smile.
"Fine. The same goes for you, Boscha. Try not to bite it out there."
A rumbling sound interrupted them. From the shadows, more Jyamatos began to spawn: Pawns, Rooks, Bishops, and even Knights.
Oscura drew a breath.
"Looks like we've got our work cut out for us…"
"Then it's a good thing we're here!"
A massive robot dropped out of the sky, landing just a few feet away with a ground-shaking impact. Standing atop its shoulders were two other Riders that Oscura, Soaron, Newtonne, and Gato instantly recognized.
"LUMINA?!"
"AMARA?!"
"OLIVER?!"
Lumina and Amara jumped down from Leviathan's shoulders, taking their places among the Riders, eyes scanning the battlefield.
"The Game Master said you could use some help," Amara said with a fierce grin.
Lumina nodded, her determination palpable.
"And this is our home too. If the Isles fall, so do we."
Leviathan cracked his knuckles, his usually lighthearted demeanour replaced by fierce resolve.
"And I'll be damned if I let anything happen to you guys."
Oscura exhaled in relief.
"Future Riders. Perfect timing."
Honey blinked, confused.
"Wait…did you say Future Riders?"
Gato nodded, managing a small, wry smile.
"Long story."
"Oh, and we didn't come alone," Lumina added.
"We had to bring them up to speed first, which is why it took so long," Leviathan explained. "But trust me, they're ready for action."