Reviews:
DCDGojira: Glad you liked it! And I knew you were waiting for his appearance. Hope you like his introduction
maxfz19: Que sorpresa encontrarme a otro lector espanol aparte de Caballero lector rojo. Espero que te este gustando la historia y que te guste Ryuga.
Daemon of Wrath: Glad you're enjoying it!
TheOkWriter: To your first concern. Yeah, I used to write Yugioh so the structure kind of stuck with me. But I write the attack names and such because there's no way I can visually show you what the vents look like. Maybe if this were Wattpad I could add a picture every time but this is easier. As for the attack numbers, I keep them because it sort of works like a power scaling thing. Back when Takeru fought Hajime, Goro, and Yosuke, Takeru's final vent was around 7000(Zolda has the second strongest final vent without Survives). Knight's final vent clocks in at 5000 so Magnugiga just swatted him away. Ryuki's final vent is 6000 so he managed to knock it over to stop it from firing. It kind of works so that people don't call bs or plot armor when certain things happen. And finally, if you want an anti-villain in Ryuga I'm sure you'll be pretty pleased with what I have planned for him.
Chapter 11
Impostor Among Us
The Adachi siblings were making their way home after leaving Lydian Academy and parting ways with Hibiki. Hajime had an impassive look on his face, giving his sister a piggyback as she snuggled against his neck.
"You're just the right temperature to cuddle, big bro." Setsuna cooed."Hibiki-san is lucky to have you."
"Stop saying that. People are going to get the wrong idea." Hajime responded, a tick mark appearing on his forehead."And you'll get Hibiki-san in trouble too. What if she likes someone already?"
"Is that what you're worried about?" Setsuna asked, wiggling her eyebrows."I do think Hibiki-san has many contenders. She's like a dream girl come true in a way. I hear my boy friends talk about their ideal girl and it fits Hibiki-san's description perfectly. So you might want to speed things up before someone snatches her away."
"You...think so?" Hajime blushed, glad that his sister couldn't see his face."I mean...She is cute and her selflessness draws me in. Like I don't want anything to happen to her. And I feel for her. She had a pretty shitty childhood because she survived the Noise attack during the Zwei Wing concert. People telling her she shouldn't have survived and the worse thing is her fucking dad bailed on her because he couldn't take the heat. Disgusting asshole. Do all dads have to be this shitty?"
Setsuna frowned at her brother's demeanor. But she understood that he had anger he had bottled up over the years. Even their grandma knew Hajime resented their father for abandoning them.
"When she needed him the most he just turned tail. And her peers weren't any better. I'm glad she found someone like Miku-san to be her friend. But overall I guess I relate to her. Being an outcast and treated differently."
"Haji...do you still hate dad?"
"Setsuna..." Hajime groaned, not wanting to talk about the subject.
"I don't remember dad all too well. And I know you hate him for leaving us and never coming, even after mom passed away." She wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling against his neck."I don't want you to live with that hate. Neither does granny. It'll eat you away and make you feel angry again. I don't want you to go through that."
"I know, I know, Setsu." Hajime sighed, caressing her cheek."I...I'm not as angry as I was before. But I could never forgive him. If he had stayed, maybe we could have had a normal life. Maybe you would have been raised with both our parents here."
"And you?"
"I'm more concerned about you. I come in second. Besides, if you're happy, that's all that matters to me."
As Setsuna opened her mouth to say something, Hajime's phone went off. The teen stopped walking, releasing one of Setsuna's legs to grab his phone in his pocket."Yo. I'm on my way home right now, why? WHAT?!"
Setsuna yelped at how loud he cried."Big bro?"
"Where is she right now?!"
"I'll send you the location! I already alerted Yosuke and Goro but you're closer!" Genjuro said over the phone."We also detected a new Rider signature aside from Ouja."
"Another one?" Hajime's eyes widened in horror."I'll be there! You can count on me!"
With that, Hajime hastily got Setsuna off his back."What's going on, Haji?"
"Go home!" Hajime ordered, giving a kiss on her forehead before rushing off."And stay home! I'll be there later! Don't you worry!"
"Big brother!" Setsuna cried out to no avail. Hajime was running as if his life depended on it.
"Ryuga...?" Hibiki blinked, confused."So he's not Hajime-kun? But he looks just like him."
Ouja chuckled, amused."Strongest Rider? Savior? First few words I've heard from you and you're being awfully bold. Savior of what, exactly?"
Ryuga coldly looked in Chris's direction."You two are the cause of the Noise. Killing the Noise is meaningless. My goal is to cleanse this world from evil so for that, I must kill you."
Advent: Dragblacker
ATK: 6000
"Attack point 6000?" Ouja marbled."Just his Advent Monster?"
Ryuga glanced behind him in Hibiki and Miku's direction before leaping in the air on top of a black dragon. Dragblacker breathed fire, sending Ouja flying across the forest.
'Such power.' Ouja commented in his mind, skidding on the ground and coming to a halt.'He's leading me away from the girls. So he wants to make this personal?'
Ryuga landed in front of him, waiting for him to make a move."I will eradicate all evil from this world."
"How noble. Unfortunately for you, good and evil is merely a concept. Not so black and white as you make it sound to be." Ouja rose his Venosaber."Is that why you're going around killing criminals? Then you're in for a fruitless endeavor, my friend. Humanity will never stop killing each other."
"For that to happen, the root of all evil has to be taken out first. One step at a time." Ryuga explained."And it will happen. It's unavoidable. You and that girl are the proof that this world needs a change. A reset."
"A reset? You're a riot." Ouja lunged at him to continue fighting."But I like your emotion!"
Ryuga sidestepped, avoiding Ouja with ease.
'What are those movements?' Ouja was astonished, but kept his poker face under his helmet.'These movements aren't natural. It feels as if he's being moved by something.'
Ryuga went on the offensive, giving random strikes that Ouja couldn't predict before delivering a kick to his chest, which he blocked with his forearm. Ouja was still pushed back a few yards away by the force of the impact.
'He's led the biggest threat away from Miku.' Hibiki was confused but happy nonetheless that this Rider was at least trying to keep her out of harm.'I have to do the same with her!'
Chris grimaced, ready to go after them, but Hibiki took this opportunity to tackle her away."What are you doing?!"
"You're not going there!" Hibiki yelled, both girls crashing into a tree.
"What, your little boyfriend is finally taking this seriously, you dumb bitch?!" Chris sneered, kicking Hibiki away.
"My name is not dumb bitch!" Hibiki cried out, not sounding offended at all."My name is Hibiki Tachibana! Age 15 soon turning 16! My birthday is on September 13 and my blood type is O! According to my latest checkup, I'm 157 cm tall! And my weight...well, I'll tell you if we get to know each other better. My hobby is helping others and I love food! Like, really love food! And I've never been in a relationship in my life! But it's not something I'm against..."
"What the fuck?" Chris looked at her as if she had grown a second head."Why the hell are you telling me all this?! What's your plan?!"
"I want to talk to you! No strings attached!" Hibiki forged on."We're not Noise. We're humans. We should be able to talk things out. At least do it for Zolda!"
"Zolda? What does he have to do wit-"
"Ouja is not your friend, we know. He hurt Zolda and Zolda is very close to you, isn't he? That's why he told the boys that he wants to save you. We can help you."
"Help me?! Help ME?! What bullshit are you spouting now?!" Chris seethed."You have no idea what you're even saying, do you? Thinking you can just be so naive and succeed? The world is not that simple!"
"It is! Look at that guy who looks like my friend! We don't know him and he deliberately pushed Ouja away from us!"
"So what? He must have his reasons just like every other Rider! And here you are, putting your trust in him? People can't understand each other. People can't ever understand each other. It's just an illusion made by humans." She begrudgingly recited Ouja's words.
"Do you truly believe that? I don't think so. That bond with Zolda... must mean something to you. For his sake, please-"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP! Just SHUT UP!" Chris screamed, startling Hibiki. She stomped on the ground, creating a small crater."So damn annoying! Just stop saying shit you don't understand! You...you think you can bring HIM up in hopes of trying to dissuade me? Don't make me laugh. He's better off without me anyway."
"What...?"
Chris shook her head."There's no point in conversing further. I was tasked to capture you but I don't mind just ripping you to pieces and fuck it all."
Lunging in the air, Chris formed a massive ball of energy."Take this and die!"
Nirvana Gedeon
Hibiki blocked it with her hands, holding it still with great effort.
"It's not over yet! Here's another one!"
The second sphere collided with the first one, creating an explosion.
"How's that? Still willing to "talk" now?" Chris smirked triumphantly. Once the smoke cleared, her smirk was replaced by a frown.
Hibiki was still standing, trying to stabilize and control her Armed Gear.
'It can't be! She's trying to manifest her Armed Gear! But it took me forever to even do that!'
However, Hibiki's attempt failed, and the explosion sent her rolling on the ground.
'I knew it. She's still not there yet but if we give her enough time...' Chris gasped when she noticed Hibiki trying again, this time with her right hand."Dream on!"
Chris swung her whip, but Hibiki managed to catch it using her augmented strength after focusing her energy instead of forming her Armed Gear. Using her strength, Hibiki pulled on the whip, prompting Chris to lurch at her. Hibiki used her boosters on her back to meet Chris halfway.
'Hear my feelings! The scream of my heart!' Hibiki declared as she delivered a punch directly at Chris' gut. The piston in her gauntlet was released, creating a shock wave that amplified the damage. The attack was so strong that the Nehushtan Armor began to break apart.
The shockwave of the attack shook the whole forest, alerting the Riders fighting by.
'Tch. So Chris is starting to lose.' Ouja was annoyed, but he quickly changed his mind.'Although if Gungnir is pressing her, it appears I was right to put my interest in her.'
The black dragon rider came down from the sky with a wheel kick. Ouja used the braces on his arm to block it and used his other arm to better stop the momentum. He kicked Ryuga's feet but he was quick to act, using his arms as support, and went for a double kick instead. Ouja simply jumped, swinging his sword across Ryuga's chest plate and creating sparks. He was sent rolling on the ground, only stopping by hitting a tree.
"I see I can't be holding back too much against you. You are stronger than the other two I fought before." Ouja praised him.
"Aren't you going to go help your comrade?" Ryuga asked, his body forcing itself up as if something was pulling him up."She will not last at that rate."
"So you can finish us off at the same time and kill two birds with one stone? You are incredibly sadistic. But efficient. However, I am curious though. Why are you suddenly eager to make us be in the same place if you separated us when the fight started? Wait, I see. You did it for that girl, the bystander."
Ouja tossed his sword away, recalling back his Venovisor."Yes, I see. You were trying to lure me away from her and that Gungnir would do the same for Chris. And now that we're away, you plan to kill us simultaneously to save yourself some precious time. But I am curious. Why would the vigilante who's been going around killing criminals want to protect a lone girl? You could have just attacked us when we were vulnerable fighting Gungnir by herself or strike at the most unexpected moment. And yet, you went out of your way to save her. Why?'
Ryuga said nothing, his posture remaining the same and showing no signs of moving.
'This is why I hate fighting Riders.' Ouja internally groaned.'I can't exactly tell what he's thinking or get what emotion he's radiating. He's not as vocal as Ryuki or Scissors so I can't get a read on him. However...he did mention something before.'
"Tell me something. You were ranting about purging evil from the world and whatnot. But do you honestly think that can be accomplished by killing off Yakuza and petty criminals? How naive." Ouja taunted him."I'm sorry to say, but evil will never leave humanity. It's because there is no such thing as good and evil. Only people with wants and needs. People with desires and people who feel something by those desires. Believe me, I've dealt with my fair share of "evil" people. I am a professional assassin after all."
"An assassin?" Ryuga echoed.
"Correct. I've been hired to take lives all across the globe. From family affairs to political scandals. I've done it all. I've killed and destroyed families and I've also tortured for the sake of pleasure. Not mine, of course. But for the people who pay me to do so. Not a fan of those Red Rooms. Too messy. Anyway, I'm getting off-topic. You see, I am but a mere tool of those who pay. And I accept that because I believe one day I will be able to feel emotion or come across someone that will show me the purest and strongest form of emotion aimed toward one goal."
Ouja cleared his throat, realizing he was rambling."But the point I'm trying to make is...even if you were to kill me, which is not happening, the people who hired me to do those things are still out there. And the people behind them as well. And if you kill one, another one pops up. You can go ahead and stop one group from doing human trafficking, but what about another one spreading the sale of drugs? What about those who use human lives as nothing but pieces in a game? You think you're making a change but it's a mere grain of salt in the vast desert. So this justice of yours and your quest to save the world will not-"
"I never said I was going to save the world." Ryuga cut him off, earning a confused glare from Ouja.
"Huh?"
Ryuga's sword dematerialized, his hands spreading."This world will be destroyed and die. That's the path humanity is taking. The path of utter destruction and death. It's unavoidable and will happen sooner rather than later. There is no saving this world."
For the first time in what seemed like forever, Ouja was genuinely puzzled."But you called yourself a savior."
"During my journey around the world ever since becoming a Kamen Rider, I realized just how far humanity has fallen. I have seen the worse of it. Wars are being wagged for territory or resources, injustice keeps people below those with greater power, and many live in hunger while those with the means satiate their bellies with dirty money. Humanity itself has become evil because of its desire to want. Mere words or stupid optimism will not stop any of that. Nothing will ever unify humanity and make it whole. You are right. I can kill endless criminals, but more will continue to appear. And I am but one person. I will never kill them all in my lifetime."
"So what's the point of going around killing criminals if it's ultimately pointless?"
"Closure, I guess." Ryuga shrugged."It may seem childish and counterproductive but I did all that because I had a score to settle with the Yakuza and those criminals. That is just the first one of our plans, though."
"Our? Implying you're not alone?" Ouja squinted under his mask.'I'm beginning to sense...an emotion. I suppose you're not as dead as I am.'
"Things will get worse before they get better." Ryuga stated, ignoring his question."That's the nature of things."
"Newton's law." Ouja recognized, earning a nod. He discretely eyed his surroundings, noticing a bush in the distance moving.'Someone is watching us.'
"Right. It's much easier to rebuild something broken than fix it. That way you can start fresh without any risks of the same mistake happening again. So, unfortunately, the world will continue to get worse. People will continue to die in vain and suffer. And nothing will be changed until humanity reaches its ultimate destruction. But that won't be because of your Noise. No, far from it." Ryuga drew a card from his deck, inserting it in his visor."What humanity needs is no justice. No fairness and no equality. Nor any naive fool believing that can fix the world with mere words. What we need is one ultimate and absolute good. And that good can only be me. There is no point in talking any further. You die now."
Final Vent: Dark Dragon Rider Kick
ATK: 7000
Ryuga began levitating in the air as Dragblacker came from the sky.
"Like I'd let yo-Huh?" Ouja tried to run, but his legs were caught by a black substance that solidified into a crystal."I can't move?"
"This is where you die. After this, your comrade will as well!" Ryuga was in front of Dragblacker, ready to attack.
"You got me...or so I would say." Ouja used his free arms to draw a card and activate it.
Venom Vent
ATK: 2000 q
A purple void appeared under Ryuga and released a column of energy that engulfed him and Dragblacker. The dragon-theme Rider screamed in pain, finding himself slower.'This thing stunts the opponent?'
Dragblacker swatted Ryuga out of the way before it itself flew away. The cristal preventing Ouja from moving broke, setting him free.
Ryuga fell on the floor, groaning in pain."He was able to stop my Final Vent by preventing me from executing my moves. So that Venom Vent of his stunts not only Riders but also their Advent Monsters.'
"Nearly had me there." Ouja dusted his armor."Had I been any other Rider, I would have been dead. To think a Final Vent can hold you in place. So you aren't a regular Rider. There is more to you than meets the eye. Your goal isn't driven by revenge or the desire for freedom or injustice. Your emotion...is born purely from your conviction. And you want to be this world's ultimate good? So you want to be a judge, jury, and executioner. Deciding what is good for people and that will help you "save humanity". And who do you think you are to do something as outlandish as that? For that, you have to get your wish granted first."
"I am God's hand." Ryuga ominously stated, getting in a fighting stance."And I will get that wish no matter what."
"God? What, you mean Odin?" Ouja scoffed."I doubt Odin has any desire to make humanity prosper or anything. He wouldn't have given these powers to people like me if that were the case."
He received no further answer, indicating that the conversation was indeed over."Okay then, keep your secrets. Let's reconvene this horror show."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the area, Chris and Hibiki continued their fight.
"You've done it now...you pissed me off so much that...I have no choice but to do this! ARMOR PURGE!"
Hibiki covered himself from the armor shards scattering everywhere, cutting down trees.
'I guess you were right, after all, Takeru.' Chris thought as she began to sing.'I eventually came to use this again.'
"Kilterr Ichaival Tron..."
And with those words, Chris emerged from the smoke, clad in armor similar to Hibiki.
"You made me sing...and now I have to admit that that idiot Takeru was right." Chris gritted her teeth, clad in her red armor."If there's one thing I hate is singing!"
(Makyu Ichaival)
A crossbow formed in her right arm and she wasted no time in raining hell on Hibiki. The cream-haired girl began running, avoiding the bullets shot at her. But the explosions created by said bullets made things difficult for her. Chris took advantage of that and intercepted her, delivering a powerful kick that knocked her back.
Chris' gauntlets changed once more, this time forming two Gatling guns.
Billion Maiden
Before any of the bullets could land on Hibiki, a wall of fire protected her at the last second.
Chris turned to her right, noticing Ryuki after having used his Strike Vent."You! But how? I mean, you-"
"You okay, Hibiki-san?!" Ryuki asked in concern."This girl is packing. In more ways than one too."
"Ugh..." Chris deadpanned at his words."This idiot is just like Takeru..."
"What do you mean by packing in more ways than one?" Hibiki tilted her head, innocently unaware of his words."Hajime-kun! You're here! But...your evil twin is here too! He's fighting Ouja!"
"Evil twin?" A question mark appeared above his head."What the hell are you talking about? Look, just relax. You aren't thinking straight. Goro should be here soon and we'll both take on Ouja. But until then..." Ryuki pointed at Chris."I'll help you deal with this tsundere right now!"
"Tsundere? How fucking dare you!"
"Where's your friend?! We want to talk to him since I think he's more level-headed than you!"
"I'll show you levelheaded." Chris revealed a compartment back dress which contained a ton of missiles, aimed straight at the young man."You're just like that girl! So naive and carefree!"
Mega Deth Party
Ryuki reached for his deck, drawing a card to help himself.
Guard Vent: Dragshield
DEF: 2000
Ryuki ran up to Chris, using his shields to protect himself from the blasts. The shields began breaking away, not being able to withstand too much damage. Ryuki rolled on the floor once his shields gave up. He fired a fireball from his gauntlet, narrowly missing Chris.
The girl jumped back, releasing a shower of bullets at Ryuki, who had leaped into the air. She opted to fire missiles instead, putting pressure on him.
Sword Vent: Dragsaber
ATK: 2000
Using his sword, Ryuki began spinning around, the missiles exploded on impact, sending Ryuki flying to the ground.
"Hajime-san!" Hibiki rushed to his aid.
"I tried to look cool but...guess I can't cut those missiles like I was hoping for." Ryuki confessed, rubbing the area where his nose would be.
"You're good but not as good as your doppelganger." Chris commented with a condescending smirk."If you couldn't beat Takeru, you'll never defeat me. I'm stronger than him."
"Doppelganger?" Ryuki asked, shifting his gaze to Hibiki."Wait, so you weren't making stuff up?"
"Why would I lie to you?!" Hibiki squeaked, pouting, making Ryuki's heart skip a beat.
"I don't think you have time for a lover's quarrel when I'm trying to rip you apart," Chris remarked, showcasing her Gatling guns.
"We're not-" Hibiki and Ryuki yelped, avoiding a round of bullets that tore trees like paper.
"We have to close the distance between us." Ryuki said as they ran for their lives."Zolda has a similar weakness. Their strength lies in their long-range attack. If we can get closer, we should be fine. Though she does have more firepower than Zolda. Or at the very least, she's pressuring us more. Zolda gave us a few openings back then. But we gotta get close."
"And how do we do that?"
"We get in her head." Ryuki said with confidence."She seems like the hysterical type. Meaning that the more we talk to her, the more she'll lose her composure and gives us time for an opening."
"Okay. I'll follow your lead."
With that, both of them jumped in opposite directions, scattering around. Chris scoffed, aiming each Gatling gun at them and following close.
"Hey, Chrissy, right?!" Ryuki hollered from the left.
"What? How do you-"
"Zolda screamed your name that time when our senpai used her superb song on you!" Ryuki informed her."So your name is Chrissy and he is Takeru. Well, my name is Hajime Adachi!"
"And you already know me, Chrissy! I'm Hibiki Tachibana!"
"Stop calling me that! You have no right!" She seethed in anger."It's not Chrissy! It's Chris Yukine!"
Ryuki smirked, drawing a card and activating it immediately in his visor.
Advent: Dragreder
ATK: 5000
Dragreder descended from the sky, breathing fire on Chris and forcing her to leap back to avoid it.
"Think about how sad Takeru-san is!" Hibiki lunged from tree to tree, taking a slight breather after Chris seized her shots."He wouldn't want to see you like this. He wants to save you."
"Like I need saving!" Chris snapped, focusing her Gatling guns on Hibiki instead."He's in no position to be saving anyone anyway! Besides, I..."
"You're hurting, right?" Ryuki began closing in, forcing Chris to focus her attacks on him. He began to zig-zag around, avoiding the trajectory of the bullets."We're not your enemies! You can still stop this!"
Ryuki finally reached Chris, thrusting his sword and stopping just before he could reach Chris' neck. Both of them stared at each other, not moving a muscle."Please. You can still start over. Not everyone in the world is against you."
Chris' eyes shot wide open at his words.
"If we leave...where would we go?" A younger Chris asked a younger Takeru.
"I don't know." Kid Takeru admitted, sitting in front of her on the cold floor of a basement."This world is all I know. But we can create a new one together. Just the two of us. Maybe we won't have anyone else but no one else will be against us."
"Please!" Hibiki landed next to her, cornering her.
"You should have killed me when you had the chance, moron." Chris kicked the sword out of his hands and gave him a spiral kick, sending him staggering backward. Hibiki went for a punch, but Chris fired a missile point blank that sent them both flying in opposite directions.
"And now..." Chris changed to her missiles again, her eyes directly towards Ryuki."I'm finishing this!"
The missiles were shot but never reached their intended target. A giant sword landed in front of Ryuki, receiving the attack for him.
"What the hell?! Where did this wall come from?!"
"It's a sword." A voice from above clarified. There, with her hands firmly on her hips, stood Tsubasa Kazanari.
"Kazanari-san!" Ryuki sighed in relief to be saved at the last second.
(Zettou Ame No Habakiri)
"Not this bitch again. Didn't have enough almost dying once, now you have to come again for more." Chris mocked with a grin.
"Is Yosuke-san and Goro-san here too?" Hibiki wondered.
"They went to neutralize Ouja." Tsubasa stated, eyeing her juniors."Adachi, Tachibana. I will back you both up. Remember I am still recovering so I'm in no condition to lead the attack. I need you."
"Got it!" Both of them nodded with enthusiasm.
At the same time, Ouja and Ryuga continued their fight. Ouja took a firm step forward, one arm in front of him and the other one close to his torso.
'He's changed postures.' Ryuga noted mentally.
Immediately, Ouja closed the distance, moving his feet so fast it looked like he was skating on grass. Ryuga went to swing his sword, but Ouja punched him with the middle finger on his bicep. Ryuga thought he could brush this off, but suddenly, his hand released his sword and felt great pain. Ouja followed up by delivering two quick jabs on his torso and an uppercut under the chin, causing him to stagger backward, nearly losing his footing.
"You like that? This is my personal fighting style." Ouja took stance again."By pushing up my middle fingers while striking pressure points, I can completely bypass someone's durability. That's why your hand released your sword. I don't use this in fights because I tend to end them too quickly. But like I said, I can't hold back too much against you. However, it seems that my fighting style isn't as effective as I had hoped. Your armor protects you so I'm most effective when I hit a pressure point that's not covered by armor."
Ryuga grimaced."I didn't expect less from an assassin."
With a chuckle, Ouja once again approached Ryuga. Ryuga rose his arms in defense, but as Ouja had said, his punches were quick to strike the pressure points on the sides of his arms. He continued by giving two more punches to his legs, forcing him to his knees before kicking him across the face. Ryuga was sent skidding on the ground, face first.
"What's wrong? Is this the extent of your emotion?" Ouja asked, sounding disappointed."You had me hooked. But now I'm not so sure. If you can't beat me, you will never accomplish your goal."
As if on cue, Ryuga's body was forced up, a black aura surrounding him. Slowly turning back, one of the red lenses of his helmet turned yellow."Now you've done it."
Ouja furrowed his brow, feeling something off in the atmosphere.'His whole aura just shifted...it's darker...and colder. Is this his true emotion?'
"That hurt..." Ryuga grabbed his helmet, suddenly lunging at Ouja."THAT FUCKING HURT!"
Ouja was surprised at Ryuga's sudden increase in speed. He went for a jab aimed at his neck. Ryuga swatted his arm away, elbowing him across the helmet. Ouja backflipped away using the momentum to his advantage but realized his opponent was gone.
"Behind you, sucker!"
A kick to the back destabilized Ouja, launching him away once more.
'So fast. How did he even get there when I didn't see him?'
Just then, Ryuga used a card in his visor. A black portal opened behind Ryuga and one behind Ouja.
Black Vent: Calamity Gate
'So he uses that black void to teleport, huh?' Ouja grinned in excitement.'Interesting. But repetitive!'
Ouja kicked behind him, hitting the air after no one came out of it.'He didn't come out? But that means...'
Going straight through the portal, Ouja received a punch in the stomach when he came out the other end, knocking the air out of him and sending him back. Ouja landed in his original position, puzzled.
"What's wrong? You were talking a big game before, weren't you, you slimy snake." Ryuga rose his head, looking down at Ouja."Now you're on the dirt where you belong. Wasted potential, really."
'His demeanor changed. That or he gets cocky when he starts winning.' Ouja sat up, cracking his neck."This is the first time in a while I've been pushed back this far. You are undoubtedly strong. I recognize your power."
"But I take it you're not going to stand back and forfeit your life." Ryuga remarked with a haughty tone."Very well. I will let you die an honorable death on the battlefield."
Ouja and Ryuuga were about to engage each other again but an invisible soundwave paralyzed them.
Knight and Scissors both appeared with Darkwing finishing performing Knight's Nasty Vent.
"Hey! Ryuki! We made it!" Scissors tried running to Ryuga, but Knight pulled him back."What are you doing, Knight?"
'So...were they the ones watching us from afar?' Ouja pondered in curiosity.'No. It doesn't sound like something they'd do.'
"That's not Ryu-kid." Knight narrowed his eyes under his helmet.
"Good guess." Ouja chuckled at the newcomers."This here is Ryuga. He's...the strongest Rider, he says. Also, the vigilante that's been going around killing off criminals."
"So that's him? But...why does he look like Ryuki?" Scissors inquired, confused."Like...he's the same. Save for the color."
"I don't know but what I do know is that this is the perfect chance we have to capture him as well as Ouja." Knight remarked."Killing is wrong, no matter much you think those criminals deserved it. We have laws for a reason."
Ryuga turned his direction towards Knight, studying him his yellow eye returned to red, and the aura surrounding him dissipated.."And I take it you're one of these "heroes of justice" going around and fighting off the Noise? Good. I was hoping to meet you soon enough. Humanity needs only one true good and that good is me."
"What? What are you babbling about?" Knight asked, genuinely confused.
"He's a strange one, Knight." Ouja said from next to Ryuga."Not even I have figured him out yet. But it's not in your best interest to underestimate him."
Ryuga clicked his tongue, taking a card from his deck and marching towards Knight.
Knight did the same as they both activated it simultaneously, summoning their respective Sword Vents and clashing.
"Knight-senpai..." Scissors watched in awe as the two engage in a fierce battle. However, a kick to the side caused him to lose his footing and fall on his back.
"A continuation from last time." Ouja splayed his arms, approaching him before kicking him again.
"Scissors!" Knight hollered, but Ryuga took advantage of him looking away and hitting him in the head. Knight groaned, cursing at the fact he left Scissors to fight someone so dangerous.
A loud crash caused the fight to stop, revealing Chris to be the cause of it."Shit...ganging up on me like that..."
Ryuki, Hibiki, and Tsubasa all landed a few yards away from Chris, combining both battles.
"Tsubasa!" Knight was glad to see his friend back on her feet.
"The cavalry is here." Ouja mused, glancing at Chris."So this is too much for you? Ready to call it quits?"
"Shut up...like you're doing any better." Chris hissed, spitting on the ground.
"Hey..." Ryuki slowly rose his hand, pointing at Ryuga."Holy shit you guys weren't kidding..."
"You're now just starting to think it's true?!" Both Hibiki and Chris yelled at him, much to their shock.
Tsubasa ready her katana, jumping in to help Scissors. She rose her sword, enlarging it in size before sending a clash of blue lighting at Ouja.
Blue Flash
Ouja scoffed, raising a hand and holding the attack in place before throwing it away.
"It can't be! He blocked my attack with nothing but his hands?" Tsubasa was bewildered by Ouja's feat."Not only that, he threw it in another direction."
"Simple attacks like these are nothin-"
"WHAT THE HELL! A FAKER! AN IMPOSTER!" Ryuki yelled so loud all conversations ended."You're an imposter!"
"I'm the imposter?" Ryuga snorted in disgust."It's more like you are my faker. Not the other way around."
"No way! I'm the real Ryuki!"
"Ryuki? More like you're the fake Ryuga."
Both dragon theme Riders argued, much to the dismay of the rest of the people there.
"Hajime-san, please stop! He protected Miku! He's a good guy!" Hibiki informed him, grabbing his arm.
"Miku-san...wait, she was here?"
"Yes, and she saw me transforming..."
"Well, that's just great." Knight groaned at the thought of the amount of paperwork coming his way."If you're not the enemy, you still need to come with us. But step aside. Ouja is our main target along with that girl."
Ryuga sighed, taking a step back from Ouja.
"That's fine with me. We can continue our fight after I'm done with them." Ouja shrugged, approaching the Symphogear and Riders.
Advent: Venosnaker
ATK: 5000
Venosnaker slithered from the forest, spitting venom at the group and forcing them to split apart.
Strike Venom: Scissorpinch
ATK: 1000
Scissor readied his weapon, back to back with Ryuki. Ouja activated his Venom Vent, but Ryuki pushed Scissor out of the way in time.
"Hajime!" Both Scissors and Hibiki screamed but Scissors was unfortunate enough to land beside Ouja. Ouja kicked him in the stomach before giving him a nerve punch on his thigh. Hibiki yelled, narrowingly missing Ouja's head as he ducked at the last second. He quickly jabbed her biceps, earning a scream of pain after getting her pressure points hit.
Advent: Volcancer
ATK: 3000
Volcancer grabbed Ouja's arm and tossed him away in Knight's direction.
Sword Vent: Venosaber
ATK: 3000
Ouja and Knight clashed blades, but Ouja managed to push Knight back using the momentum he had gained. Knight regained his footing, blocking the continuous strikes Ouja gave him. He parried one of them, attempting to go for a punch but Ouja countered by going for a pressure point strike.
Knight moved his arm out of the way in a blur, striking Ouja in the face. The attack wasn't finished as Tsubasa swept his feet, knocking him to the floor. She rose her sword, bringing it down but Ouja kicked her arms at the last second and kicked her stomach. Scissors caught her in time, backing down with her.
"Tsubasa-san!"
"I'm okay. He just got a lucky hit in a rather sensitive area..." Tsubasa winced as she was still not fully recovered.
"Don't forget about me!" Ryuki came from above, wielding his Dragsaber. Ouja blocked the strike with one of his braces. He winded his arm back, going for a nerve punch under his chin. Hajime yelped in pain as he got lunged in the air. Ouja delivered two more jabs around his pressure points, giving him excruciating and paralyzing pain.
"I see. So even if you two look alike, it's clear Ryuga is in a different realm from you. Are you sure you aren't his faker?" Ouja taunted, ready to stomp on Ryuki.
"S-shut up!"
Ouja looked ahead, quickly blocking Knight's lance with his own as it was thrown at him. Knight followed soon after, grabbing his Winglancer and putting pressure on Ouja. The assassin tried to go for a jab with his free hand, but Knight grabbed it, throwing him over his shoulder.
'It appears as though Knight is stronger than the rest of their Riders. And he's knowledgeable in martial arts, unlike Ryuki who relies solely on his adaptability.' Ouja backflipped to land on his legs.'Gungnir and Ryuki aren't much of a threat right now but they can cause some trouble if they grow stronger. If my report is correct, Ame no Habakiri just got released from the hospital after using her Superb song but she's still not at full capacity and Scissors is a liability. Ryuga seems to be thinking of attacking Chris. Which means...'
"You know, I'm surprised to see you, Ame no Habakiri. Or should I call you Kazanari? No, I think Tsubasa is better. It would get confusing otherwise."
"Wait...you know my name?" Tsubasa gaped.
"Of course. Well, it's more accurate to say I know your family. Quite well in fact." Ouja rested a hand on his hip."You'd be surprised how much I know about you people. Or many others in general. For example that Ryuki you have? He's almost as skilled as the previous one."
"What?" Everyone gasped at his words. They had taken the bait and Ryuga knew this. He eyed Chris, ready to strike her when their guard was down.
"What do you mean by that?" Tsubasa asked, perplexed." What do you mean by "previous one?"
"Was there a Ryuki before...Or did he know Akira?"
"No, no way." Knight shook his head."Akira was the first Ryuki. He said so himself. He's just making stuff up to get under our skin. Don't listen to this manipulator."
"I haven't seen that emotion in a while...denial." Ouja drew a card from his deck, his smile dropping.'I'm running out of energy. I've been fighting many opponents in such a short time. I bit more than I could chew. This might be my last attack before I have to pull back. And my victim...'
Advent: Venosnaker
ATK: 5000
Venosnaker spat venom from its mouth at Knight. The Rider pulled back in time but the venom burnt a bit of his leg.
Final Vent: Veno Crasher
ATK: 6000
Ouja broke into a sprint, Venosnaker slithering behind him as they headed for Tsubasa.
Tsubasa tried getting up, but Ouja's attack had done more damage than she anticipated, and fell on one knee. Scissors got in front of her with his Guard Vent.
"Goro! No! Get out of here!"
"I won't run from a friend in need!" Goro declared, holding his shield high.
"Not again!" Ryuki fought through the pain and this time he was able to get back on his feet.
Final Vent: Dragon Rider Kick
ATK: 6000
Hibiki watched in great concern as Hajime jumped in the air with Dragreder."He's going to intercept him?!"
Dragreder breathed fire, propelling Ryuki toward Ouja while he jumped toward Venosnaker.
Freeze Vent
Venosnaker froze in solid ice, canceling the Final Vent. Ouja landed on the floor, barely being missed by Ryuki who crashed against the ground.
"What was that?" Knight asked, turning to Ryuga."Was it you?"
Ryuga said nothing, but he hadn't moved from his original spot. He shifted his gaze to Scissors, who hadn't moved from his spot either.
"Someone is here, I knew it. Someone was watching." Ouja clicked his tongue, standing back on his feet. Ryuki did the same and was immediately alerted, scanning his surroundings.
"Who's there?" Ryuki asked in a voice that was drowned by the wind.
Final Vent
"Who's there?!" Ryuki rose his voice, growing nervous by the second.
Ouja couldn't see anyone anywhere, but undoubtedly, an attack was coming. And indeed it came. A white blur was all Ouja could see out of his peripheral vision. Something had grabbed him and was dragging him across the ground.
"That's...an Advent Monster!" Knight watched as a humanoid tiger practically handled Ouja like a ragdoll. Far away into the tree lines was a Kamen Rider sporting white armor with blue highlights wielding two giant claws in each hand. The Rider's helmet resembled that of a tiger. They readied their claws to impale Ouja.
"What is this?!" Ouja was kicking at the monster until it forced it to let him go before he could make it to the Rider.
"Crap." The tiger-themed Rider cursed before making a run for it.
"Hey, wait!" Knight cried after him but he was gone.
Ryuga took the opportunity to rush to Chris.
"What, you want to fight?" Chris readied her gatlingungs."Bring it on!"
Ryuki blocked Ryuga's sword with his own before he could make it to Chris."What? What are you doing?"
'I appreciate you saving Miku-san. Trust me, I do. And aside from the fact that you're my copy, I have nothing against you." Ryuki grunted, feeling Ryuga's strength push him back."But I can't let you kill her!"
"She's the reason why the Noise are attacking." Ryuga reminded him with a cold voice."She's evil. She must die now."
"She's being used! Someone else is making her do all this crap!"
"So because she's being used as a tool that makes it okay?" Ryuga scoffed."By that logic, the assassin is also clear of all sin because other people pay for his services."
"That's different! He chose to do that!" Ryuki argued back."I know she's different. I can tell by looking at her face. She feels guilty! Remorseful! All she wants is to go back to her friend! She has someone waiting for her!"
"I don't need your help nor did I ask for it!" Chris snarled, ready to blast them both away with her missiles."So just shut-"
"NO! YOU SHUT UP!" Ryuki screamed at the top of his lungs, scaring away the birds in the area."Takeru-san wants to save you from whatever it is that's got you both locked up in a prison of doubt and turmoil! He wouldn't want to see you die here! I know what it feels like to have someone worry about you! Think about how he feels! So just get going and leave already!"
"If you side with evil, that means you're part of the problem."
"I'm not siding with her nor am I excusing her! I simply want her to be together with her friend!"
"What the hell is he doing? We can't just let her get away." Knight attempted to stop them, but his burnt leg caused him to drop to his knees.
"Please, Chris! Don't do it for us! Do it for Takeru-san!" Hibiki pleaded as well."Please go to him!"
'Takeru...' Chris reluctantly nodded."I don't know why you...two idiots treat me like I'm a helpless human failure but...don't expect a thank you out of this!"
"And you just keep disappointing me, Chris." The voice of a woman spoke up, loud enough for all to hear.
A blonde woman with sunglasses and a black trenchcoat stood nearby.
"Fine! Why are you..." Chris took a step back. She certainly wasn't expecting her to come out into the open like this."We don't need her! I...I can extinguish the flames of war on my own! Just me and Takeru! We don't need Ouja either!"
"About that...I seem to no longer have any business with you, Chris." Fine sighed, raising her hand as it glowed in blue and the broken parts of the Nehushtan Armor gathered around her before bursting into particles."Seems like the only reliable person I have is Cypher. Are you done playing games, dear?"
"I believe so." Ouja stood back up, stumbling on his feet."I lost too much energy...I don't think I can maintain my transformation much longer."
"Very well. I will meet you later. And...from now on, I expect you to be thorough. Is that understood?"
"Of course. Whatever my lovely employer desires."
"And...from now on, we don't longer work with Chris or Takeru. Do as you will." With a satisfied smile, Fine snapped her fingers and vanished from sight, leaving a dozen of Noise behind.
"Fine, wait!" Chris yelled after her before her stomach dropped."Oh no...Takeru. TAKERU!"
Chris soon disappeared from sight, chasing after Fine.
"Well. I'm out of here." Ouja cracked his neck one more time, sighing.
Knight went after him, but more Noise appeared in front of him, and was forced to fight him.
"Don't bother. We're in no condition to fight. You can't move much with that leg right now, Tsubasa is still in recovery, Scissors is no match for me, and Gungnir and Ryuki can't fight me alone." He shifted his gaze to Ryuga."As for you. I sure hope we meet again. I feel like I've learned a great deal about human emotions today. And I get the feeling that your emotion is what's driving you towards your goal. An emotion born from pain and agony. I know something must have happened to you at one point in your life. Emotion like that isn't natural. I wish to see more of you. I'm intrigued."
Ryuga stared back at him, not offering any words in return but also made no move to attack him. Ouja chuckled before leaping into the air and disappearing into the trees. Once the group killed all the Noise, Ouja was long gone, leaving them alone with Ryuga.
Hibiki was the first one to approach him with a gentle smile on her face."Hey...thank you for rescuing Miku. I'm really grateful to you."
Suddenly, Ryuga attempted to cut Hibiki with his sword, but Ryuki pulled her back by her arm just in time.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Ryuki demanded, gritting his teeth.
"We aren't friends or allies. We're Riders and she works with the enemy Riders. You made your intentions clear when you decided to protect that woman. You are evil and you most likely work with a government that's just as corrupt as all the others."
"No! We're not evil! We fight the Noise to protect people!" Hibiki tried to reason with him."But that girl isn't Noise! She's a human! We can talk to her!"
"And Ouja is also human yet you don't seem as interested in talking to him. This is just being biased based on what you perceive to be "just".
"Ouja is an assassin who's killed countless people because he wanted to work with those horrible people!" Knight stated."There's a difference between premeditated murder and someone controlling you to do those things."
"So you say. I have to say I wasn't expecting Riders to be working together. I assume you have a common wish, then?"
"That's right! We want to wish for the Noise to never exist again!"
"How narrow-minded of you." Ryuga sighed, shaking his head."And you think that by getting rid of the Noise you'll save humanity? What about the humans who kill other humans? You want to deal with a threat CAUSED by humans. What about the rest of the world? Is your wish going to stop suffering all across the globe? No, of course not. You claim to be "good" and fight to protect, but your wish will not save humanity from eventually whipping itself out. That is why humanity needs something to follow to avoid further conflict and pain. Something that will erase evil from existence. There is no need for multiple goods in this world. Only one, absolute and undeniable good. The ultimate good."
"Ultimate good?" Tsubasa narrowed her eyes."You mean you want to be the one controlling what is good or bad?"
"I want things to follow a more...stable course."Ryuga immediately lunged at Ryuki at blinding speeds."And I will make sure evil is eradicated from existence!"
"Stop!"
Ryuga stopped in his tracks, turning his head to where the voice came from. Miku stood close to them, panting for air after presumably running all the way there.
"Miku! Don't! It's dangerous!" Hibiki and Ryuki cried in unison.
"Please don't hurt them..." She said with tears in her eyes."You're not a bad person. You saved me! Please just...just don't hurt them...I beg of you...You're not a bad person...you wouldn't hurt them..."
"You..." Ryuga seemed to reflect on her words, eyeing her carefully. With a sigh, he dematerialized his sword, jumping back and landing on a tree branch."Do not follow me and do not get in my way. Next time...you won't be so lucky."
With his final words said, Ryuga continued jumping from branch to branch, finally concluding the fight. All of them collapsed to the ground, exhausted after such an arduous fight.
And done. This is the longest chapter in the series by a thousand words or so. It's action-packed and I probably went too far with the fights but I was having fun. What do you think about Ryuga? A little different from canon but he'll continue to surprise us in future chapters. Also, Tiger showed up. Yeah. I tried recreating the scene when Ryuki and Ouja were fighting and Tiger practically came out of nowhere and tried to Final Vent Ouja. But why was he here and why did he help Ryuki? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for the next chapter.