Reviews:

lordri25may2001: Oh, then yeah. His dad will appear. I will also include flashbacks to show the past of some of the characters like Jades, Takeru, etc. That's a good theory. I can see the reasoning since they have "Ha" at the beginning of their name.

nexusknight2: Yup. You got that right.

Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked it friend.

Digi-Gojira: LOL. Yeah, I wanted him to say that for a while now but his character needed to go through some development.

Chapter 48
Two Diverging Streams

"Commander! We detected the presence of Mirror Monsters in Shibuya!" Aoi reported, displaying the map of Shibuya with a red dot pointing at the area.

"Mirror Monsters?!" Genjuro gritted his teeth."We have no way to combat them if they enter the mirrors...And if they bring them inside the mirror, they'll be trapped inside."

"Commander! Look! We've detected the energies from two Kamen Riders!" Sakuya brought up two names on the screen, causing the man's blood to run cold.

"Gai and Femme...?"

"A-are you sure...?" Raiden's eyes widened as he listened intently to his phone."Right...I'll go right away."

Hanging up the call, the bespectacled teen jumped off Shirabe's bed, heading for the door.

"What's going on?" Shirabe inquired, confused at the sudden urgency.

"Nothing. They detected Mirror Monsters but apparently, they disappeared. I'm going to go check out the area." Raiden quickly said, putting on the hood of his sweater.

"Wait, let me come with you!" Andreas was about to get off his seat, but Raiden shot him a glare.

"No. You stay here. Stay with the girls." Raiden ordered, leaving no room for argument.

"But what if you need help?!" Kirika asked, her voice full of concern."What if you get attacked by those other Kamen Riders-desu?!"

"Kiri-chan is right." Shiraba scowled."Jumping in by yourself is a bad idea. At least take Andreas or Hajime-san with you."

"Yeah, let me come with-"

"Just stay here!" Raiden shouted, earning several flinches in response. He sighed, shaking his head."Look...just stay here, okay? Please. I'll be fine. If anything bad happens, I can just fly out of there and request backup. Just...don't worry, okay?"

Without another word, the boy exited the room, running down the hall, biting his lower lip."Why...? You can't be...it has to be someone else. It can't be you...!"

"How...How do you know...?" Ryuga's legs fell like jello, astonished upon hearing the words weighing on him."How do you know that name...?!"

"Superstar..." Ouja repeated, glancing over at the shorter boy."That's..."

"That's the name my father used to call me." Ryuga muttered in disbelief.'As well as what you call me, Loki.'

"What is going on here?" Loki pondered, growing uneasy."I feel like I've felt this presence before..."

'You have? When? He says he knows about Divine Power. Do you think he has another God inside of him?'

'I highly doubt that.' Loki said, scowling.'But that presence...I feel like I've felt it...back when the dimensional vortex opened up 10 years ago.'

Before Hazuki could ask what he meant, Bragard continued.

"I know a lot of things about you, Superstar. As well as you, the legendary prodigy assassin, Code Cypher. His real name is Allister Albedo, from France. I also happen to know of your little...friends here. Terunosuke Kuwana, former real estate agent and participant of the FIS. Chiaki Nakahara lost both of her parents at a young age and lived with her grandfather, a famous surgeon until he passed away. When I take an interest in something, I research it quite thoroughly.

"That still doesn't explain how you know about that name!" Ryuga pointed out.

"I believe the answer is quite simple is it not? I know your parents. In particular, your mother. Your surname is Kaburagi, correct? Yes..." Bragard rubbed his chin."I did have an exceptional researcher named Miyu Kaburagi. You have her blonde hair. Who would have thought I'd meet her son all those years later? I also know your father very well too. You got his eyes. Poetic."

"You...you know my mom...and my dad?"

"Wait a second...Bragard Second Hyperion...I heard that name before..." Ouja gasped upon realization."Are you the founder of the Hyperion Association?"

"Hyperion Association?" Ryuga parroted.

"It's a secret group that exists deep within the dark world. Only a few people and organizations know of its existence." Ouja felt a cold sweat dripping at the back of his neck."That group supposedly has invested large amounts of money in companies and improved their technological advancement. They also mass-produce weapons and sell them across the world, aiding in warfare, no matter what side. The Dark Web is the way it is because of them. And also...they are the ones who created the Paragon House of Grey."

"That's right." Bragard nodded with a condescending smile."I am happy to see that that project produced good results. You are the ultimate assassin. Well, the only one left. How is your mentor, Fyodor Volkov?"

"Dead. Has been for a long time."

"I see. How unfortunate indeed. Well, human lives are so really frail, so even a man of his caliber was bound to die. But if he left you in charge of things, then I don't see the problem."

"Hold it!" Ryuga cried out."My mom was not a researcher or a scientist! She was an adventurer! And what do you know about my parents?!"

"She was indeed an adventurer, but that was because she was a researcher and it came with the job." Bragard sighed."Your father worked under me as well. They were both magnificent at the job and helped my company improve our technological advancements But your foolish father thought he could get one over me and because of him, the Hyperion Association is no more. And thus, my research and my project was severely slowed down. I am ashamed to admit it, but this put a detriment in my plans. The only thing I got going today is mass-producing weapons and selling them around the world to the highest bidder."

"So you want revenge on Hazuki-kun then." Ouja guessed."Sins of the father?"

"Revenge? Well, I indeed want retribution, but I can make an exception for him. He's special, compared to the others, at least."

"The others?" Ryuga tilted his head.

"Like I mentioned, I am interested in your group." Bragard ignored the question, proceeding with his explanation."I've been keeping an eye on you, ever since the Frontier incident. I saw your fight against the Shénshòujìng Symphogear and immediately knew you were wielding Divine Power." Bragard's eyes landed on the two unconscious Riders on the floor."When I fought these two, I detected Divine Power as well, but not at the same magnitude."

"So you attacked my friends because of that? Hoping to lure me out?"

"Oh, far from it, Superstar." Bragard brushed the accusation off easily."I did it to test your group. To see if I was right in wanting to add you to our numbers."

"If that's the case, wouldn't going after the strongest be better?" Ouja inquired."Kuwana-san and Nakahara-chan the weaker ones."

"Think about it like this, Allister. In order to determine the strength of an army, it's important to test out the strength of their soldiers rather than their commanders. Because sure, you both can be as powerful as you'd like, but what about those two? By fighting them, I can determine how strong both of you are if you say you are on a higher level. It kills two birds with one stone."

"How awfully presumptuous of you." Ryuga clicked his tongue."To think that we'd submit to you? And then you say that after you attacked two of us? You speak of Divine Power as if you have some knowledge of it."

"Oh, trust me. I do. After all, I am the one responsible for Odin's vessel, in a way."

"His vessel?" Ryuga swallowed the lump in his throat."So you know he took over the body of a human..."

"And I happen to know who that human is." Bragard grinned manically."As I said, I know a lot of things. Another reason why I know you have Divine Power is because that Deck is not one of the original 13. It was created from scratch. So if you have Divine Power in you, and these three have some of it inside them, then I can only deduce that you have a God inside of you. Only a God can create the Advent Decks. It's not Odin, and it's certainly not Thor. So who could it be, I wonder...?'

"Thor?" Loki gasped."Don't tell me that idiot is here too."

"So you know that my Armor is not one of those created by Odin, then..."

"Correct."

"So what is it you want, exactly? For us to give you the Divine Power, whatever that is? Why don't you tell us what you really mean." Ouja challenged.

"Hey! Watch your words, human!" Verde hissed, but Bragard chuckled as if he wasn't affected.

"As I said, submit yourselves to me. Dedicate your lives to my cause and give me your Divine Power. I can put you and your tools to good use, Superstar."

"They're not my tools. They're my friends."

"Huh..." Bragard hummed in thought."So you see these lower beings as friends instead of tools? How bizarre. Those who are beneath you are meant to be your tools. Your puppets. Tools are meant to be used and nothing more. They have a specific purpose to fulfill. Other than that, they are useless."

"Well, sorry you see your underlings that way, but I'm different." Ryuga glanced over to Ouja, then over to Gai and Femme."They're my comrades. My allies. The fellow Disasters that accompany me on this crusade to save humanity."

Abyss grimaced underneath his helmet, looking up to Bragard, who didn't bother to look down at him.'Tools, huh...'

"Sorry. But we have our own plans to fulfill. We are the saviors of this doomed world. Humanity will bring itself to extinction and there's no way to stop it." Ryuga pointed his index finger at Bragard."Our goal is to exterminate all evil from this world by wiping out all humans and using the wish granted by Odin to cleanse humanity and create a new world free of evil. And if someone like you, a being that reeks of malice stands in your way, then you too will fall."

"So you want to purify the world...What a coincidence. I also want to purify the world." Bragard said, taking them both by surprise."Though I personally don't blame the world. This is a beautiful world. But humans are ruining as we speak. Indeed, humans are bringing themselves to extension with their own hands. So why bother giving them a second chance?"

Bragard spread his arms, glancing at the ceiling."What I want is to destroy humanity and bring about a new, perfect species! I plan to use my technology and weaponry to make countries wage war with one another and kill each other. Isn't it poetic? For humanity itself to kill each other?"

"Then our goals differ greatly." Ryuga said."We want to put humanity out of their misery to cleanse their souls and revive them, free of evil."

"And how do you intend to do that, exactly? I have my ways. More specifically, a project I've been working on called the Overall. Though...maybe I should change its name to the Overlord? Anyway, I am rambling. But I do have my ways to bring about the end of the world. But for that, I must have that Divine Power as well as the energy of all Kamen Riders. Forget about humanity. I can give offer you a perfect world with a new, perfect species free of flaws. Good and evil are just concepts created by humans. Those are non-factors. I am offering you a place in my new world if you were to help me. Put yourselves under me and I can guarantee you that I will bring out the best use of all of you. So...you will comply, yes...?"

"Hell no." Ryuga responded, leaving no room for argument."You are pure evil. And thus, I will kill you. But not before you tell me everything I want to know."

"How unfortunate." Bragard sighed in disappointment, snapping his fingers."Do make sure our guests feel right at home, boys. Now that they have chosen death. Handle my lightwork."

"If you wanted a fight, you could have just said so." Ouja folded his arms, unamused."Saved us all this talk."

"My intention was not to battle you." Bragard clarified."But sometimes you need to use force to make others understand their positions."

"You didn't plan to make us fight my fucking ass, Dad!" Abyss groaned."You knew damn well this was going to happen. So why pick this closed-off space where we can't use our powers properly?"

"Does this present a problem, Damian?" Bragard huffed, losing his patience."Do you not feel confident to beat them with a little handicap to make the fight more interesting?"

"For real, bro. We can beat them easily!" Verde agreed with a nod.

"I was saying that for you. You have no room to jump around like a monkey."

"That's completely fine by me." Verde drew a card from his Deck, immediately rushing at Ryuga."I don't need that!"

Strike Vent: Bio-Arms

Three spikes appeared on each of Verde's arms as he made a beeline toward Ryuga.

Sword Vent: Venosaber

Ouja blocked the attack with his blade, and when Verde used his free arm to slash him, the assassin simply blocked with his knee.

Sword Vent: Dragsaber

Ryuga appeared from the side, ready to slash Verde's neck. The Autoscorer easily evaded the attack, doing backflips to gain some distance.

'So agile...Even more than me.' Ryuuga noted, watching as Ouja ran after Verde at full speed. To his surprise, Verde managed to evade Ouja's kick. The assassin continued thrusting his sword, trying to stab Verde who simply weaved out of the way of his attacks.

'What's up, slowpoke?!" Verde bent his knees, sweeping Ouja's legs and causing him to fall on his back. Ouja rolled out of the way before Verde stomped on him, proceeding to run in circles around him. Much to his shock, Verde proceeded to run alongside him, even surpassing him in speed. Before he knew it, Verde was jumping around him, slashing continuously with his spikes.

'He's faster than me? But that can't be!' Ouja found himself quickly on the defensive, using his Venosaber to block as much as he could.

"What's going on...? Allister-san should be way faster than any other Rider..."

"We have our methods. As I said, we kept a close eye on your battles on the Frontier." Bragard eyed a nearby butterfly, smiling knowingly at it."You're inside the Mirror World. A dimension that I managed to create a door to."

"A different dimension?"

"Only we are capable of entering and exiting it." Bragard supplied."That's why you won't be able to leave this place. Now, Damian, would you do me the honors?"

"Sure." Abyss turned over to Verde, who was easily blocking Ouja's attacks."Hey. Don't underestimate them. These guys are stronger than the others."

"Yeah? They sure don't look like it." Verde grinned, jumping over Ouja and kicking him on the back, sending him stumbling forward.

"Just stay alert." Abyss said, unaware of Ryuga activating an ability behind him."Because if you get too coky, you'll die. And I don't feel like hearing you bitch today-"

Black Vent: Calamity Gate

A black portal opened up behind Abyss, with Ryuga coming out of it and thrusting his blade forward, aiming for the back of his head. Abyss swiftly moved to the side, grabbing Ryuga's arm and slamming him against the floor. Abyss threw a punch, only to have his arm go through another portal that appeared in front of him. He felt his own punch connect against his sides, causing him to flinch at the unexpected pain. Ryuga grabbed his sword, attempting to slash Abyss's arm but the water-themed Autoscorer pulled back.

'Even with Calamity Gate, I'm having trouble surprising him.' Ryuga grimaced.'This is bad. I didn't think they'd be this strong.'

Meanwhile, Ouja threw his sword at Verde, causing him to look the other way and allowing Ouja to close the distance, going for a nerve punch against his arm. However, a tail sprouted out from his back, wrapping tightly against Ouja's arm.

"What the?!"

Before he could react, Verde threw him against Ryuga, causing both Riders to crash against a wooden box.

"This is turning out to be another disappointment, ain't it?" Verde squatted down."Like, bruh. We're not even fighting in an open space. You should be having an advantage here."

"We'll have to change our strategy." Ouja told Ryuga as he helped him up."Fighting like this won't do us any good. This Verde guy is faster and more agile than me."

"Abyss is reacting to all of my moves." Ryuga huffed."Even with Calamity Gate, I can't catch him off guard. How are they this strong?"

"Doesn't matter. We need to step up our game." Ouja drew a card from his deck, summoning a powerful gust of wind from it."Let's show them what us Disasters of Valhalla can do."

"Right." Ryuga closed his eyes. Their scleras turned black and black lines appeared around their bodies as they manifested a black aura."TO ME LOKI!"

Unite Vent

The Autoscorers covered their eyes from the intense light, feeling their powers increase dramatically.

'Loki, huh?' A smile crept its way to Bragard's face.'Interesting.'

Kamen Rider Ouja - Dual Mode

"I stand corrected." The crimson-eyed prince chuckled in delight."Yes. I can feel it from here. That's Divine Power alright. Pure and raw Divine Power. I detect it more coming from the Superstar. I am surprised, though. I didn't know that Gods could share their power with others aside from their vessels. Furthermore, I wasn't aware that Gods sharing a body with a human was enough to bypass the Curse of Balal. How interesting. This is proving to be a much enlightening experiment."

Once the light died down, both Riders stood in their respective powered-up forms. Ouja's armor had changed and adopted a few of Scissors' parts into his design while Ryuga's left eye had turned gold.

"So it was true. He did absorb Scissors' power into him." Bragard clapped."That's good. I was concerned that we wouldn't be able to steal his power. So, you killed him?"

"That's right." Ouja nodded, showcasing his new visor, the ToxicPincer, which was similar to Scissors' visor."I don't mind adding one of your boys to my arsenal."

"Be sure to save one of them for me, Allister." Loki cracked his neck with a sigh, brandishing his Dragsaber."So...let's get this over with. You, Bragard. I think I might remember you. I am Loki. You were right on the money, it seems. So, you know about the Allfucker and that dumbass Thor. I take it you were the one who caused the Allfather to come to this realm."

"I might have." Bragard grinned from ear to ear."And what about you? You created that Deck for the Superstar? So you performed a ritual of equals with him? And for what? So you can accomplish whatever goals you have in mind? How uncouth."

"Don't misunderstand." Loki created a portal in front of him."I'm thankful to you. Because of you, I can help humanity and save them."

"So a God with a messiah complex, huh?" Bragard snickered."Interesting. I take it it's not a coincidence that you chose to copy the Ryuki armor. It's quite ironic. All things considered."

"I don't know where you get off talking high and mighty, human." Loki sneered."But don't go thinking that you're any less than what these lower beings are."

"It's best for you to not talk to me that way, puny God." Bragard shot back."I am not a disgusting human being, much less do I need to lower myself to your level and attach to one. Damian."

Sword Vent: Abyss Slasher

Loki shifted his gaze to Abyss, who had drawn out his swords."So, you're sending your puppet to fight me?"

"I'm not a puppet! I'm a human!" Abyss hissed, dashing at Loki. Loki opened up a portal behind him, jumping inside and barely missing Abyss slashing at the air. A portal opened up above him, with Loki grabbing his Dragsaber with both hands and coming down on him. Abyss quickly rose his arms, blocking the blade with his serrated swords, but Loki opened another portal next to him, kicking it, and creating a portal in front of Abyss's face, taking the force of the kick.

Strike Vent: VenoScissors

Two gauntlets with the forms of pincers appeared in Ouja's hands."Come at me."

"With pleasure." Verde proceeded to run in a zigzag, but this time, Ouja was able to track him. Once Verde came in to strike him with his spikes, Ouja grabbed his arm with his pincers, closing them tightly around him. Verde screamed in pain, and before he could utter another word, Ouja jumped on top of his shoulders and spun around his head before pushing his knee against his neck, bringing him down to the ground with all of his weight. A sickening crunch could be heard, follow by Verde's limbs going limp.

Abyss took a step back, accidentally stepping on one of Ryuga's portals as it closed down on him, cutting off his leg. He collapsed on the ground, dropping his swords.

"There." Ouja stood up, popping his neck with a sigh."I suppose they weren't that strong after all."

"Or human." Loki observed the lack of blood coming off of Abyss' leg."So then what are they?"

"Interesting. You certainly proved yourselves to be quite capable." Bragard applauded with enthusiasm."Bravo! What a good show!"

"God damn it..." Abyss sat up, grimacing at the sight of his missing leg."I hate when this happens...I told you, dumbass, not to underestimate them."

"Say what?" Ouja quirked a brow, feeling Verde's spikes slash his back, sending him skidding on the ground.

"Allister!" Loki cried out and that's when he saw it first hand. Black dust swirled around Verde's neck and Abyss' leg."How can this be? He snapped his neck. He shouldn't be moving."

"He killed me...he actually fucking killed!" Verde sneered as his bones crunched, going back to their respective place."I can't believe this! Regenerating from this kind of damage takes a considerable amount of life force!"

"I hate doing this...it's not human at all..." Abyss furrowed his brow as he saw his leg regrow back to normal. In a matter of seconds, both Riders stood side by side, seemingly undamaged.

"They can regenerate?!"

"Of course, they can." Bragard stated with a haughty tone, puffing his chest."They are my best creation to this day. State-of-the-art technology and with some help of my beloved Carol's alchemy. I was able to engineer these hybrids. A mixed between Autoscorers and Homunculi!"

"Homonculus...? Autoscorers? Alchemy?" Ouja repeated, still flabbergasted at what he had seen.

"Though I am surprised. It seems that the Overall is helping you recuperate at a faster rate." Bragard observed with interest."And with just the power of 7 Riders. I suppose my genius mind knows no bounds. Anyway...feel free to stop playing around. Go ahead and have fun."

"Ohoho! Certainly!"

Abyss hurled his blades at Ryuga, who ducked down at the last second to avoid them. But while he did this, Abyss had already drawn a new card.

Strike Vent: Abyssclaw

Aiming his gauntlet at Ryuga, Abyss spewed a stream of water toward him.

Guard Vent: Dragshields

Loki gritted his teeth, planting his feet firm on the ground to withstand the water stream. To his amazement, despite being able to block it, he was being pushed back.'I can't believe the amount of power behind this!'

"So this is the power of his Royal Guard..." Hazuki bit his lower lip inside of his mind."Wait...the swords! Loki! Behind you!"

The Trickster God tried conjuring a portal, but the swords slashed at his back, causing him to lose his grip on his shields and take the stream of water head-on. Loki opened a gate above him, trying to jump through but another beam of water struck him in the chest, sending him flying. Using this momentum, Loki created a gate behind him, going through it.

'Very peculiar' The prince hummed to himself.'So those portals of his...have a limit and can only be used with a card when the Superstar is in control. But when the God takes over, he can create many more and at free will.'

"You can create as many portals as you want." Abyss sighed, watching as a myriad of portals surrounded him. But these were a different color.

"Odin's Vault!" The darker portals began shooting out purple energy beams at Abyss.

"That's..." Bragard recalled watching the fight between Ryuga and Shénshòujìng and how the girl was using those attacks consistently.'So he can use them too...No. It's more like he stored them away.'

Clicking his tongue, Abyss tossed away his Abyssclaw, recalling back his Abyss Sabers. Water formed on his feet, turning into a small typhoon that helped him twirl around in place, slashing the energy beams with his blades.

A portal opened up close to Abyss, and Loki peered out of it, ready to stab him.

Guard Vent: Abyss Sphere

Abyss was covered in a sphere of water, and as Loki's sword went into it, it stopped inches away from connecting against his body.'What? I can't go any deeper!'

Loki went in for a punch, but his fist was also unable to reach Abyss. He opened a portal underneath his foot and one above Abyss' head, stomping his foot through it. The foot went inside the water, but stopped inches away from his enemy's head."What is this?!"

"It's my Alchemy. I have full control over water." Abyss said, delivering a devastating kick against Loki's stomach, causing him to cough up blood."And combined with my Kamen Rider powers, it makes for a good combination. You see, the reason why you can't reach me is quite simple."

"Yeah...I just figured it out..." Loki chuckled between groans."Your body is encased in water, but the area close to your body...you've increased the pressure of the water and thus, making it impossible to reach you since all attacks are stopped by the strong current..."

"Smart. But I expect no less from a God. This fight is over."

Meanwhile, Verde and Ouja continued their fast-paced fight.

Verde leaped back, avoiding a slash from Ouja's swords and gaining some distance, activating another card.

Strike Vent: Bio-Snatcher

A gauntlet reminiscing of his Advent Monster, Biogreeza, appeared on Verde's right hand. He aimed it toward Ouja, causing the head to open up and spitting a tongue from its mouth. The hybrid Rider jumped to the side, avoiding the tongue, but much to his surprise, the tongue was circling around and coming back to him.

"That's quite the trick you got there. You must be quite the attraction at the circus." Ouja said derisively, jumping out of the way again. Once more, the tongue chased after him, stretching even more."How far can it stretch?"

"Why don't you find out, yo?"

Trap Vent: Biohazard

When Ouja landed on the ground, he felt his feet getting stuck to something. Once he looked down, he noticed the floor was covered in some green slime. He felt it becoming stickier and stickier the longer he stood on it, so he began to make his way out of it.

Advent: Biogreeza

Biogreeza appeared, latching onto the wall and spitting acid at Ouja, who quickly rose his blades. The acid was potent enough to melt them down into nothing, forcing him to drop the remains before it burn through his suit.

"Let's give him another round, Biogreeza!" Verde aimed his gauntlet at Ouja while Biogreeza prepared another round of acid. Both of them spewed their toxic content at Ouja, but he was one step ahead.

Advent: Genocider

Genocider, a mix between Scissors and Venosnaker, emerged from the ground, opening the mouth in its belly, revealing a bottomless void that absorbed the acid with ease.

"The fuck?" Verde gasped, feeling his arm being pinched. Tendrils had sprouted out of Genocider's back, grabbing onto Verde's right arm.

Strike Vent: Tentascissors

Four tendrils similar to Genocider's attached themselves to Ouja's back as he dashed at Verde."You're mine!"

Verde rose his arm, preparing to slash at something with his spikes. However, the last thing Ouja had expected was for Verde to cut off his own arm, leaving him open to an attack. Verde leaped into the air, double-kicking Ouja in the chest, sending him flying against a wall.

"Fucking retard." Verde regenerated his arm, dust swirling around the wound."You think I'm not above self-mutilating?"

"This is...peculiar, to say the least." Ouja sat him, wincing in pain.'Remarkable. Even in my Dual Mode, I can't keep up[ with him. These guys are monsters."

The assassin glared over to Ryuga, who was in a similarly compromising position as him, then over to Bragard.'But I don't understand...I've never been pushed back this way. At least, not by a single person...And this is them being limited? I can't imagine fighting them in a place that benefits their abilities...'

Verde slowly approached Ouja, hands on his hips."Think it's about time the chameleon consumes the snake, yo."

Shoot Vent: Venombites

Ouja manifested two Uzis in the shape of snakeheads and began rapid-firing energy bullets in the shape of fangs at Verde, who had already inserted another card into his visor.

Clear Vent

Verde's body turned invisible, the bullets missing their target.

"What?" Ouja stood on guard, taking steps back and scanning his surroundings.

Hold Vent: Bio-Winder

The first strike came from behind, and Ouja felt something snagging him on his back, cutting off two of his tendrils. The assassin turned on his heels, quickly pulling the trigger of his guns and shooting a few bullets at Verde, who just laughed it off and turned invisible again.'He's just messing around!'

This time, Verde appeared right in his face, headbutting the snake-themed Rider, knocking him back. Verde appeared behind him on all four, causing Ouja to trip over him and fall on his back."This is so much fun! You guys are putting up more of a fight than the others, that's for sure."

"The others...?" Ouja groaned in pain.

"Yeah. S.O.N.G's Kamen Riders. They're all trash. Absolutely dog water." Verde stomped on Ouja's chest, keeping him pinned.

"Tell them about your fight with Zolda." Bragard snickered.

"L-Lord Bragi! I mean, Bragard! Please!"

"Fine." Bragard stood on the railings, jumping down with a frontflip, conjuring a dark magic circle and creating a dark pillar that cushioned his fall."I can't help it. I want in on some of the action."

"Huh? Why?" Abyss quirked a brow, having Ryuga on the floor."We're just about to finish them off."

"The point isn't to kill them." Bragard admonished him."I think they're close to getting the message. But..." The prince took out a Deck with a golden circle embedded in it from his pocket."I think it is crucial to solidify the message."

"Lord Bragard...!" Verde took a step back."You're going to transform?! Here?! Now?!"

'So that's what he was doing.' Abyss frowned in distaste.'He used us to make them realize we're superior to them. And now he wants to show how much stronger he is than us to make them fall into despair.

"And for that, I'll even grow my body for a bit." Bragard's body began growing more developed, growing taller, more muscular, and growing a goatee. A dark version of the V-Buckle appeared around his waist."Henshin."

His body was engulfed in golden and black particles. The particles were absorbed into his body, and once the light died down, Kamen Rider Alternative revealed himself. It was similar to Alternative Zero one donned by Dr. Ver, but this one had a long red cape and a golden tiara on top of the head. His gauntlets were more robust and the antennas on his head were curved outward.

"That's the same armor Dr. Ver used back then!" Loki gasped in awe.

"Do not make the mistake of believing my genius compares to that man's feeble brain," Alternative said, his voice lower in pitch in comparison to Bragard's child voice.

'The power emanating from him is...astonishing...' Ouja gritted his teeth.'I haven't felt this way since we all fought Odin.'

"Now..." Alternative splayed his arms."I'm waiting. Show me what you've got. Feel free to attack me."

Verde and Abyss nodded to each other, stepping aside and allowing Ryuga and Ouja to get back on their feet.

"If he's their leader, then he's going to be on a whole other level." Hazuki's spirit appeared next to Ryuga."We should get out of here."

'He won't let us.' Loki gave a nervous smirk.'Even then, we'd be leaving the others behind, assuming I'm even fast enough to teleport out of here.'

"Use more of your power. Forget about my body!"

'If you die, then all of this is pointless!' Loki barked, shooting down the idea.'Your body can't handle more of my power right now and I can't give you more than this amount!'

"So you're saying we can't beat him?!"

Loki did not answer, but Hazuki knew. He didn't have to answer for him to realize they were screwed. They hadn't anticipated to encounter this kind of power.

"What is the matter, mongrels?" Alternative drawled, his voice full of arrogance."I'm not even defending myself. But just to add insult to injury..."

Drawing a card from his Deck, Alternative scanned it into his Slashvisor on his right arm.

Sword Vent: Slashdagger

"Fuck this." Loki quickly opened up his Dragvisor, inserting a card inside.

Dark Vent: Dark Trigger

6 portals opened up around Ryuga before condescending in size to the size of fists, forming black spheres. Ouja aimed his uzis and both Riders fired their attacks. The bullets and spheres stopped a few inches away from Alternative, seemingly being halted as if they hit a wall before vanishing.

With a growl, Loki activated another ability.

Strike Vent: Dragclaw

Winding his fist back, Ryuga unleashed black flames that took the shape of Dragblacker. Alternative rose his blade, using it to block the attack with minimum effort."You call those flames?" Thrusting his sword forward, Alternative unleashed azure-colored flames at the Riders, engulfing them and causing them to scream in pain.

Clicking his tongue, the prince advanced, grabbing a card."I think it's time to bring home the idea."

Gravity Vent

As both Riders were slowly getting back up, their bodies were clad in a purple aura before they slammed onto the ground, feeling as though something extremely heavy was crushing them.

Alternative stood mere inches from them, his left arm out and creating a gravitational force that pushed them onto the ground with no hope of moving. With a sadistic grin, Alternative applied more pressure, their screams turning into howls of agony and their transformations becoming undone, leaving their bodies exposed. Once he decided it was enough, Alternative stopped, undid his transformation, and shrunk back to his child body.

'My whole body feels like I just got crushed by a car...' Allister groaned.

Hazuki's golden eye returned to being pink after Loki lost control of the body."Shit..."

"Oh? So you're back to us, Superstar?" Bragard mused, standing in front of him. He saw the blonde boy attempting to get up with great difficulty."So stubborn. As expected of your kind, of course. How admirable."

Bragard stomped hard on Hazuki's head, abruptly causing his forehead to hit the ground hard, opening a gash. Blood poured onto the floor and his forehead with the boy only offering pained moans.

"This is the only way to drive a point across, Superstar." Bragard felt utter pleasure in Hazuki's pain and the sight of his blood."The powerful stand on top of the weak. You certainly have quite the determination and ambitions, but with the way you are now, you will never see them come true."

"Hey!" Allister tried to help him, but Verde landed on his back, sitting on him and pinning him down. Using his spikes, he tore down the tendrils on his back, leaving him defenseless.

"Easy, snake boy!"

"The truth of it is, Superstar, that you must be utterly ruthless with the assets you possess. Let your enemies know your superiority over them and show them fear through pain." He removed his foot from his head, taking a step back."First comes the pain. No one will listen unless you give them a reason to. And now, you have seen how superior I am to you. Your humanity is your downfall, as you can't tap into that Divine Power to its full potential. But I can help you. In fact, I can help you understand things you don't. Show you a new perspective. All you have to do is submit yourself to me. Devote you and your group to me and help us in creating a new society."

"Why do you...even want our help?" Allister winced, now having both of his arms pinned to the ground by Abyss to prevent him from escaping."I understand Hazuki-kun, but why us too? Clearly, it's not because you need the muscle...As you see, your Royal Guards here are more than enough to handle anything..."

"That may be true." Bragard folded his arms."But they are just two, after all. And for what I have planned, I'm going to need a group of capable soldiers. For my ultimate enemy."

"Ultimate enemy?"

"The Bavarian Illuminati." Bragard clicked his tongue in annoyance."Major pain in my fucking ass. On top of that, I have to put up with them because they helped my darling, Carol. But really, we don't like each other. Never have, never will. Especially that despicable prick Adam."

"Language, my Lord." Verde sweatdropped.

"My apologies." The prince waved his hand dismissively.

"So the Bavarian Illuminati are also involved in this..." Allister chuckled dryly."So many interesting characters are joining the mix...So you want to destroy them? I suppose two dark organizations can't coexist. I figured you wanted to destroy Section Two first..."

"They're called S.O.N.G now. And they're not a threat in the slightest. I consider them more like...halftime entertainment...is that what it is?"

"Yes, Dad." Abyss nodded, fighting the urge to facepalm.

"Right, right. But unfortunately, their resources far outclass my own. Even with my advanced technology, their influence as well as their mastery over Alchemy makes them tricky foes. That's why I need to fully activate my secret project. The Overall. Or I suppose I should call it the Overlord now. As for what it is, I can't say just yet since we haven't formed a deal. Essentially, I want the Superstar to allow me to perform experiments with his Diviner Power and that God that's with him. That's something they do not possess, due to Fine interfering with their plans and putting a dent to their plans. So if I manage to access that power and finish my project...there will be nothing in this world capable of stopping me. I will become the perfect being and bring about a new era of new life forms, with me, the Ultimate Lifeform serving as the beacon of hope! So, what say you? If you accept, I can modify your Decks and increase their power as well as make them able to come into the Mirror World at will. Will you cooperate? It'd be a shame to kill you now since I'm not sure if killing you will kill the God as well."

"Can we at least...think it over?" Hazuki asked, raising his bloody face to stare at the boy in the eyes.

"Sure. I'm not without compassion." Bragard shrugged nonchalantly."Three days. Nothing more. Nothing less." The prince took out a business card from his breast pocket, tossing it at Hazuki's face."Give me a call when you're ready to talk. I can talk more in-depth about my plan. And of course, I'd love to hear all about yours. It's a win-win situation."

Hazuki grabbed the card, stuffing it in his pockets. Verde and Abyss got off Allister's back, allowing the young assassin to assist Hazuki in getting up."Hazuki-kun, you okay?'

"I'm fine..." Hazuki trailed off, his eyes darting over to their unconscious comrades."Bring me to the others..."

"You do know we have to take you outside the Mirror World manually, right?"

Hazuki said nothing with Allister helping over close to the others. They both helped Chiaki and Terunosuke up, a portal opening in front of them.

"I meant what I said. I'll tell you everything. Everything." Bragard reiterated.

"I don't doubt it."

"You don't sound very enthusiastic."

"I don't think it's something I want to know..."

"Well...there is something I do not know." Bragard hummed to himself."How did your Mother die?"

Hazuki stopped in his tracks, feeling his stomach drop. He ran a hand on his stomach, fighting the urge to puke."When we got stranded...on that island...She did what she could to make sure I survived..."

"Hmmm. I see. My sincerest condolences." Bragard nodded with a blank expression before his usual arrogant smile reappeared. "By the way, keep in mind words. Heh. With any luck, you might reverse the situation and have me on my knees. I owe you some blood."

The Divine Disasters of Valhalla went through the portal as it closed behind them, leaving only the three members of the Alchemic Cult behind.

"What the fuck is the point of doing that?" Abyss undid his transformation as did Verde."Now we're going to have to go look for them and take them out ourselves."

"No need."

"Explain."

"It seems...those portals of his aren't just for teleporting around." Bragard said, a smile creeping onto his face."It appears as though they aren't mere warp gates. They are close to being hyperspace gates than anything else. They are capable of going through dimensions."

"What...you're saying he-"

"Uh, guys?" Zeke scratched his head."The fuck that mean? Plain words, please."

"Meaning they exited the Mirror World. I can't detect their presence." Bragard stated as simply as he could."You see, the Mirror World is a whole other dimension separate from the real world we live in. A different spacetime, if you will. I managed to create a warp gate from our reality to this one by using nothing but my intellect and technology as well as the battle data I've collected. But the Superstar, or rather, Loki, is capable of creating portals that can travel through dimensions. At least, ones he's visited."

"So that's the power of Divine Power..." Damian winced, his vision becoming hazy.

"If that's the case, shouldn't he have kicked our asses?" Zeke asked.

"Not necessarily. The Gods that managed to come here after I opened the gate all those years ago can't exist in this plane without an avatar. As we know, there are two ways of doing this. One, taking over the host like Odin did, or making a contract of equals as the Superstar and Tobias did with Loki and Thor respectively. However, this latter method is not as efficient as the first, since the human body is unable to use the Divine Power, or at least, all of it, without killing the host. I assess that their connection, while strong, leaves much to be desired. It's strong enough to be shared with his underlings, but not strong enough to overcome us. However, if nurtured properly, we could use his power to further our plans."

"So this is sort of an investment..." Damian grabbed his head, panting."But do you think upgrading their Decks will help us...? This seems counterproductive. What if they become stronger than us?"

"They have a God with them. With any luck, he might be able to produce Survive cards." Bragard shrugged."Besides, they can't surpass me. Even if they somehow surpass you, I can just upgrade you with the new battle data and make you stronger. Furthermore, we've collected all their energy. Now all we're missing is Raia, Imperer, and Ryuki to contribute. When that happens, nothing else will matter."

"What about Mama?"

"Of course, I'll help her with her Chateau. Don't worry about her."

"You're such a genius, your majesty!" Zeke complimented the albino.

"Dad...about what you said earlier...You didn't mean it, did you? That we're just tools to be used...?"

"Pfft. Bruh?" Zeke groaned."We ARE tools!"

"I was just playing along with my little narrative, Damian." Bragard waved him off."Don't worry about it. You guys are precious to me, after all."

"Okay..." Damian frowned, unsure whether to trust his words or not. He suddenly fell to his knees, coughing.

"Woah!" Zeke rushed to his side, checking him over for injuries."What's going on?!"

"He must have exhausted his stone." Bragard cooly said, seeming unfazed."It appears that not consuming humans limit his regenerative abilities. Unlike you, he can't regenerate too much without exhausting himself and the tone. And he does not have nearly as many lives as you do."

"So..what do we do?"

"Bring him along. We'll have to perform maintenance." Bragard pulled out a small jar from his pockets."But I'd say this was a successful day. Let us return."

"Wait, your Highness?"

"Yes?"

"Are you...well, not that I doubt you. But are you sure it's okay to let not one but two Messiah Candidates run around to serve as your competition?" Zeke asked, fidgeting."I mean, the Hersscher of Chaos has already shown the ability to create miracles with the power of hope. And the Herrscher of Calamity has been blessed with Divine Power, which is a miracle in and of itself. And you are capable of manifesting miracles too."

"You have it wrong, Zeke." Bragard stopped himself from breaking the flask."We're indeed Messiah Candidates. But each of us represents something different. The way the prophecy goes, two Messiahs will fight for the future of the world and their beliefs. A battle for heaven and earth. The turning point in human history. Good against evil and all that nonsense."

"You said two..."

"Those two are meant to fight. Chaos against Calamity. Two different concepts that mean fundamentally the same thing. The Herrscher of Chaos is said to bring about a change to the world, shake its very foundation, and destroy the status quo. Whether it's done by destruction or creation, that's unknown. Calamity is said to bring about an era of change, destroy everything that's been established and burn it to the ground to rebuild it from the ashes. And then, there's me, the original. The Herrscher of Catastrophe. And my purpose...is to bring about all destruction. No creation. No change. So while we are Messiah Candidates fighting to see who will become the true Messiah, I am not at all concerned, as I have demonstrated my clear superiority."

"So you can win then...You don't think you'd lose?"

The prince looked over his shoulder with a toothy grin, fitting of someone of his stature."Nah. I'd win."

Back in the real world, Hazuki and Allister dragged Chiaki and Terunosuke into the living room of their spacious penthouse. They dropped them on the couch before they collapsed on the ground. Hazuki grabbed the nearby penguin plushy, bringing it to life as he poured Loki's essence into it.

"Hazuki-kun..." Allister laid on his back, staring at the ceiling."Are we really going to help them? They'll only be using us."

"There's no other choice." Loki said, though his tone suggested he wasn't happy with the arrangement."Our resources are limited. Sure, we got you and your connections as well as our plan, but until we get there, we need to get more influence. More money and power as well as proper equipment. And they have all of that. If we can play our cards right, we might be able to benefit from this. I don't like it any more than you, but for now, we have to be compliant."

"He said he knew my parents. That they both worked for him..." The pink-eyed teenager grimaced."10 years ago, he said the vortex opened. That's when the Decks began appearing around the world."

"Right. I got mine 10 years ago too." Allister nodded."Loki, what do you know?"

"Honestly, not much. I told you everything I know." Loki sighed."I followed the Allfather here and was stuck for a while, taking over fish and other creatures until I stumbled upon the Superstar on that island."

"It's possible that all of this is connected. But then...is Odin connected to Bragard somehow? If he opened the portal and allowed this whole thing to happen, then why and how?"

We can talk about it...later." Hazuki muttered, closing his eyes and starting to drift into unconsciousness."I'm honestly...too tired...Lightheaded..."

"Hey, Hazuki-kun." Allister sat up."You're still bleeding! Hey!"

The boy, however, had passed out from blood loss, leaving Allister to quickly tend to his wounds.

Raia circled the streets of Yokohama, looking for anything suspicious. Other than the people reporting a monster appearing from a mirror and kidnapping a person, no one else knew anything else. Other than the possibility of two people being taken as well.

"Commander, Raiden reporting in." Raia touched the hand of his helmet."I haven't seen anything else out of the ordinary. Aside from the police giving me the people's accounts of the event. Nothing. I think it's possible it was a deliberate attack. They were targeting someone."

"Agreed." Genjuro said."Return to HQ for now. I don't want you being out there longer than you have to all on your own. If they pull you into the mirror, there will be nothing we can do to bring you out."

"Roger that." Raia responded before taking a deep breath."Commander...do you think...he can't be. He can't be alive. Maria-nee said that the Nephilim disintegrated him."

"We don't know for sure if it's Kuwana." Genjuro sighed."It could be someone else. Maybe the Deck was passed down to another person as it happened to Hajime-kun."

"But that can't be. If the Deck is destroyed or if the Advent Monster is destroyed, then..."

"Just return for now." Genjuro told him."We'll talk about it later once we get a full scope of things. But for now, don't overthink things."

"Right..." Raiden closed his eyes, ending the call."I swear...If it's you, I won't let you have your way again...Teru-nii."