#in no way is it his right to take ikazuchi from touma

[t-u-i-t-c]

chapter xx

[kawaiilizzie]

Unsheathe the Inner Thunder

Figured I’d give some bonus Shion content with this one-shot on how she became Espada from her perspective. This one-shot is based on the Ao3 fic Set the Narrative on Fire which sees Mei become Espada. Check it out after this, it’s incredible!

Warnings: Spoilers for Saber up to episode 26, Kento’s trauma, and probably slightly more than Rider-typical violence. I wrote this months ago so I’m not fully certain on this.

There was blood on Shion's hands. It wasn't her. It was Touma's. Okay, maybe a little of Kaede's and Daishinji's. Some of it might've even been from Ogami. But none of it was hers.

She and Mei had just patched them all up after yet another battle she couldn't directly participate in. Touma was in bad shape. He'd nearly lost control of that new form of his and it has wrecked his body. His breathing was shallow and pained as he dozed on the couch while Mei looked over him in his bookstore.

How many times did she have to drag him off the battlefield already? And how much longer can her emotional support keep up?

"Are you okay?" Daishinji asked. Though he hadn't been nearly as bad, he'd still been of bloody mess. He was curled up in one of the reading chairs, facing away from her.

"Of course I'm not!" She shouted, causing Daishinji to wince and cover his ears.

Oh right, enhanced hearing. Shion thought before speaking in a quieter tone. "There isn't much I can do out there. Seriously, I watched you all get the stuffing beat out of you and there wasn't anything I could do to help."

"Shion-chan..." Kaede muttered, looking a little less worse for wear. She was sitting on another reading chair, looking at her.

Touma twitched in his sleep and Shion gritted her teeth. She was sick of this. Sick of seeing her friends suffer like this. Sick of being unable to help. Sick of being a damsel in distress when the Megid did come after her.

"Why can't I have a sword?" She asked.

"We don't have spare swords just lying around." Daishinji ran his fingers over his own sword. "At least not ones powerful enough for these threats."

"But you do have one."

Shion's words made Daishinji tense. He looked over at her, eyes darting down when she tried to meet his gaze. "No." He said firmly.

"Ikazuchi!" She ran over to him and grabbed his arm, shaking him roughly. "No one's using it. I could take over as Espada-"

"No!" Daishinji shouted. He covered his face with his hand as he stood. "It doesn't work like that."

A shouting match was barely avoided by Touma jolting upright, hacking and wheezing. By the time she and Mei helped even out his breathing, Daishinji had vanished when she turned to ask more questions.

Next thing she knew, she was in the Northern Base to get clean clothes after Touma got blood on her clothes.

And this was a recent addition to my wardrobe as well... She thought as she went to Rintaro's room, feeling like it wasn't right to take the clothes of a dead man by going into Kento's room.

His room was immaculate and there was a change of clothes resting on his desk, neatly folded. Grabbing the shirt kicked up the dust that'd settled over them.

Shion stumbled away, sneezing and coughing. As she moved away from the cloud of dust, her back hit a bookcase and two objects clattered to the ground.

They were Wonder Ride Books. She knelt to pick them up. Lamp Do Alangina and a book she had never seen before. Yellow. This was Kento's as well... But why would Rintaro leave these here when Reika labeled Touma-san a traitor? She thought.

The cover of the unknown book had some sort of wolf-like creature. The words on the front were hard to understand at first but what this was about was obvious. Raiju, the companion of Raijin, the Shinto god of lightning... Shion thought. Should I give this to Touma-san or even Kae-chan? Give them a new weapon to their arsenal? Or...?

She made her way to Kento's room in the base. The door was closed, but not locked.

What's the worst that could happen? She thought as she looked around the missing swordsman's room. If it's too much for me, I'll admit defeat, but what if it isn't? If Kaede can pull it off, then so can I.

The sword was locked in a chest under Kento's bed. Shion only knew this because Mei had told her while she was visiting during her shift. Rintaro had hidden the key behind one of the stones in the southern wall of the room, Mei didn't tell her which one because she couldn't remember which stone it was.

She had to change clothes by the time she found the right spot. The stone slipped out and landed on her foot. She hissed like a cat as she pushed the stone off and grabbed the key. She had enough cafe mishaps and stepped onto battlefields enough times to knows her toes were completely fine, but it was painful enough to force her to hobble over to the chest.

The key fit in the old lock, but it took a bit of strength and jiggling the lock around to unlock the chest, a horrid creaking sound echoing as she lifted the lid.

But there it was. A Swordriver and Kento's Seiken, Ikazuchi, laying on a pile of blankets.

She held these magical swords before. Heck, she and Mei even helped Yuri transform. But this time felt different.

It was far heavier than she thought it would be. She felt static lifting her hair as she picked both items up and inserted Ikazuchi into the driver. The air crackled with electricity stemming from this Seiken's magic as she put it to her waist.

The weight grew heavier as the belt wrapped around her. Sparks flew from her fingers as she opened both Wonder Ride Books.

I'm not sure this will work. Shion thought. The Raiju one isn't even the right book. I know Kento always used the Aladdin-based book but the Wonder Combo has the book based on Cerberus. I've never even seen this book until now.

Regardless of her uncertainty, she slammed the books into the corresponding slots of the Swordriver. It flashed and grew so heavy; she almost fell to the ground. No... She thought. 'Heavy' isn't the right word for this... It's more like this is pulling me in, draining my energy while doing so... Still worth a shot... Right...?

Her knees shook as she grabbed the handle of the blade while the standby played. More electricity was spinning around her, crackling and sending sparks flying.

"Henshin!" She shouted, pulling the sword as hard as she could. Lightning flooded her veins before she collapsed.

When she woke up, she swore she smelled like ash, every hair standing on its end.

"What were you thinking?" Ogami's voice came from behind her.

She combed her hair down and turned around, feeling pain in every muscle as she did. Ogami was giving her a sharp glare. She could see Kento's Seiken sitting on the table behind him. It was covered in a thick layer of soot.

Seriously, what had she been thinking? Did she really think things would be so simple?

"I just wanted to help you guys more." She couldn't look up to meet Ogami's stern glare as she tried to get her hair to lie flat.

"I know that." Ogami's voice softened. "I know you mean well, Miss, but this is dangerous. The Seirei don't like their Seiken being handled by anyone that isn't their current wielder."

"Even if the current wielder is dead?" Shion asked.

Ogami frowned as he picked up Ikazuchi, turning it back and forth in his hands. "That depends."

"What does that mean?"

"It means, the Seirei are fickle sometimes. They choose who they will let wield them. Normally, when a Seiken chooses a swordsman, its Seirei will stay with them until their death." Ogami put the sword down, dusting soot off his hands. "Then the Seirei will mourn its master's death. It will resist anyone it finds to be inferior or against their ideals. It could take years before a suitable replacement is found, and it's unlikely to be some passing human."

"So it resisted me because Raito wasn't ready for a new user." Shion sighed. I should've figured that would happen. I'm no Touma or Kaede after all.

"You did well given the circumstances." Ogami said.  He slapped her on the shoulder in a way that was meant to be gentle but sent shocks of pain through her chest.  "We pick protegees and train them for years specifically with the intention of passing on the Seiken. Even then, it can take months for the Seirei within to warm up to a new wielder."

Some time later, still undeterred from becoming a swordswoman, Shion decided to try asking Daishinji again.

"Are you trying to discourage me after all this time?" She asked upon hearing that the Sword of Logos stopped trying to convince people to leave their entire life behind on a fraction's chance they'd succeed in the guild decades ago.

"I'm being realistic." Daishinji said. "I don't know if you've noticed, but there's a lot going on right now. I can't waste time on a student that has a one in a ten thousand chance of succeeding."

That fact surprised her. "Is the chance really that low?"

"Yes." Daishinji pulled out Suzune. "For one, only one in a hundred humans can hear the Seiken."

"As in the voice of the Seirei within?" Shion inched towards the Seiken of Sound. That was an invitation, right? He wanted to see if she could hear the Seirei of his Seiken.

Daishinji turned away, holding the sword out of her reach. "No funny business." He said sternly. "Don't try to lie. I can tell if you're faking."

She nodded. With a heavy sigh, Daishinji turned and handed her his sword.

It was different than Ikazuchi had been. It was oddly light. Each touch reverberated through the whole weapon. The whole thing felt almost hollow as she held it up to her ear.

Daishinji rolled his eyes as she pressed the strange metal against her ear.

"It's a sword, not a conch shell." he said.

"I know that." Shion pouted as she lowered the sword. I didn't know that. I thought hearing was literal. Maybe this was subtler than that?

She tapped Suzune lightly and felt the vibrations go through it. Tapping different areas caused different sounds. It was a musical weapon befitting its element, she wondered if she could play it. She slid her fingers across, tapping as she went. She'd practiced guitar a little bit in her free time, so she found herself beating out a familiar melody.

Suzune vibrated in her hand. She could hear Naoto vocalizing as if in happiness. She glanced up at Daishinji, who was looking down at his Seiken with a smile on his face.

"Congratulations, you're one in a hundred." He said, extending his hand. She handed over the weapon.

"That's it?" Shion asked. "You don't sound surprised."

"I suspected as much." Daishinji said. "You fit in well here. That's the easy part. A very simple yes or no, are you even capable of handling a sword?"

She titled her head. "What's the hard part?"

"Of the one in a hundred that can hear the swords, only one in those hundred make it through training. It's not something to be taken on lightly." The swordsmith responded.

"Quit it, Tetsu. You're not gonna scare her away with that." Ogami shouted from the landing above. "She's made up her mind. Let me run her through some trials, see how she does."

"I'll be running the first trial." Daishinji didn't look up at Ogami. He moved over to a bookcase, scanning the shelves.

Ogami sighed loudly.  "Come on, you know it makes more sense for me-"

"You're going to let her off easy." Daishinji pulled out several books.  "You're too soft on her."

"I'm not soft on anyone!" Ogami stomped down the stairs.

"Yes, you are." The swordsmith danced away when his colleague stormed up to him.

"I'm nice, not soft."

"You're too nice and you're soft."

Shion watched the two men bicker back and forth. Knowing that they won't reach calming point in the argument anytime soon, Shion cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "When are these trials going to start?"

Both men stopped in place and glanced at each other.

"Tomorrow morning." Daishinji said firmly. "Be here by seven."

I'm not complaining about the early time. Some of my co-workers get up earlier than that. Shion thought. Daishinji-san's testing me. I'm not going to stumble over something as simple as that.

"I'll be there."

The training was tough, and she had to juggle that and her waitress job at Magi Manga Cafe while doing so. But when Kento was revealed as Calibur, an opportunity arose.

She was watching Touma's childhood friend fight Reika as Sabela while holding the Swordriver containing Ikazuchi. She knew that no matter who won this fight, someone was losing their Seiken. She didn't care about the reason; she wasn't going to let that happen. Touma is in a vulnerable position, she wants to protect him and fight by Kaede's side.

Suddenly, as if in response to her thoughts, she heard Ikazuchi's voice, its Seirei, Raito, speaking to her. "I feel your desire to protect the Swordsman of Flames and fight with the Swordswoman of Ice..."

She gasped softly as he continued. "Given these circumstances, I shall grant you my power. Wield my blade to your heart's content, my chosen warrior."

This is it. Now or never.

Shion put the Swordriver to her waist. It wrapped around her, heavy and tight. Electricity crackled around her as she looked up.

Calibur was staring at her. She couldn't see his eyes, but she could still feel the heat in Kento's expression.

He stepped towards her, blocking several of Sabela's blows without turning his head. Kaede, Touma, Mei, Rintaro, Daishinji, and Ogami all looked at her in disbelief.

Realizing she haven't grabbed the Wonder Ride Books, she lunged towards the table they were was on, feeling thunderous magic running through her veins. Kento lunged in the same direction.

"Shion-chan!" She heard Kaede yell her name as she swept the books off the table.

She stumbled back as Kurayami came down right where her hand had been, sending splinters everywhere. She covered her face with one hand, but from there, both of her hands were moving almost on their own accord.

She flipped open the Wonder Ride Books. Lamp Do Alangina! Raiju no Arashi! Katsute inazuma no yō ni hayaku ugoku koto ga dekiru ōkami ga imashita... (雷獣の嵐! かつて稲妻のように速く動くことができるオオカミがいました…, Thunder Beast's Storm! Once there was a wolf capable of moving as fast as lightning strikes...)

Lightning curled around her, her hair frizzed and her skin tingled. Everyone was staring at her now, moving towards her, but they moved slow. It felt like time had nearly stopped as she slammed both books into the belt.

It was like last time. Shion felt heavy as the sword sucked her in and she found herself in a library surrounded by lightning. But it didn't feel like the last time at all. The electricity felt like it was flowing with her rather than against her. She grabbed the hilt and pulled. Ikazuchi Battou! (黄雷抜刀!)

"Henshin!" She shouted before she performed a single vertical uppercut slash as Raito copied her movement behind her before transforming into a genie and a wolf made of yellow light and circle her, forming the armor with the slash forming the visor. Kaminari Kemono! Raiju Do Alangina! Ikazuchi Nisatsu! Denki to negai no chikara kara umareru, aratana-ryoku ga tokihanata reta! (雷獣! 雷獣ドアランジーナ! 黄雷二冊! 電気と願いの力から生まれる、新たな力が解き放たれた!, Thunder Beast! Raiju Do Alangina! Ikazuchi: Volume 2! Coming forth from the power of electricity and wishes, a new power has been unlocked!)

When the light faded, everyone looked on in shock and disbelief at what they were seeing.

Now sporting brand new armor on the right side of the body alongside the armor on the left side, Kamen Rider Espada has been reborn!

Shion looked down at the armor now covering her body. She could feel the power flowing through her. I... I actually did it... She thought. I transformed... This is incredible.

"How?" Kento whispered, breaking the stillness that had occurred while everyone was frozen at what Shion had become.

At this point, Reika had left with Rintaro in tow, disappearing into smoke.

"Am I not worthy anymore?" Kento asked.

Shion was confused by what he meant until she felt Ikazuchi vibrate in her hand. Kento wasn't talking to her, but Ikazuchi wouldn't answer him. Not anymore.

Go on the offensive. She thought as her body moved with an instinct she'd never had. She lunged forward, swinging the sword in quick, small arcs.

Kento was caught off guard, but he had no issue blocking the assault. She kept swinging. Nothing landed, but he was being knocked back a little with every strike.

When his back hit the wall, his shoulders tensed. He swung back, weaving right through Shion's defenses to land a hit on her right shoulder. She nearly dropped the sword as he shoved her back.

"Letting Ikazuchi guide you will only get you so far." He said, putting his blade to her throat.

She froze as the blade scraped the armor at her neck. It wouldn't cut, but she could feel the dark energy radiating from the weapon. She didn't want to know the consequences of being hit.

Kento looked around at the battlefield. Everyone was staring up at the two of them in stunned shock.

He lowered Kurayami, hand coming to his head. He winced as his transformation faded. He looked up at Shion as his eyes flashed purple and his brow creased. "This path leads to death." He muttered. "I can't be responsible for more death."

She took a step towards him, extending a hand. He flinched away. Darkness swirled behind him, and he stepped back into the portal.

Shion tried to grab him, but her hand only found air.

She stared at the spot where he'd been for a moment before reaching down to pull the books free from the belt. Her transformation faded and she looked at Kaede exhausted.

She smiled as she held her for support. "You did it, Shion-chan."

Shion returned the smile. "Yeah, I did it."

[asknarashikari]

Cute minific idea: Ise goes to a halloween party dressed up as his papa

Lol people keep asking me about a holiday I don't even celebrate but ok

"Ise? How much longer are you going to take, we still have to go meet up with Chiho-chan and Kentaro-kun!" Rintaro called up the stairs as he put on his coat.

"Aw, Rin, it's alright, we have a bit of time left," Kento cajoled him. "It's not like the party will start on the dot anyways."

"But it would be impolite to Hidari-san and Kiryuu-san if we are late!" Rintaro said.

"They won't care, Rintaro, trust me." Touma replied. "They're probably running late too, knowing how dramatic Shoutaro-san is about having to look like the perfect Sherlock Holmes or something."

"I suppose you're right, but...." Rintaro trailed off as footsteps started coming down the stairs.

"Sorry Daddy, Mama was still helping me with my costume!" Ise apologized with a bright smile on his face, bounding down the stairs several steps at a time, his coat fluttering behind him. His three fathers gaped at him, at a loss for words, as Ise went to the genkan to put on his boots.

Mei followed behind him, dressed up in a costume resembling Sophia's, giving the three swordsmen a smug grin. "Well, what do you think?" she asked them.

"He looks just like-" Kento whispered, voice caught in his throat. He looked down at himself, wearing the exact same clothes his son was wearing, piece for piece. "Is this why he wanted me to wear my old uniform to the party? So we'd match?"

Mei hummed. "When I asked him, he immediately said he wanted to look like Papa," she replied with a smile. "I did have to convince him that he can't have Daishinji-san make him a mini-Ikazuchi though," she giggled.

"You outdid yourself, love. It looks just like Kento's uniform!" Rintaro enthused, and Mei beamed with pride at her handiwork.

"You know, now that I think of it..." Touma said, a soft, fond smile on his lips. "He looks a lot like Kento did, when we were kids... he was so cute back then, too..." Kento went over to Touma's desk to swat his shoulder. "What? It's true!" Touma complained, rubbing his shoulder.

"Sh-Shut up, Touma," Kento stammered. Rintaro and Mei both laughed at him. "Don't you guys start too..." he complained.

"Well, it seems like Ise thinks Papa is the most handsome of his dads," Mei teased lightly. Kento rolled his eyes, trying to look annoyed, though the faint blush he sported gave his embarrassment away.

"Can we go now?" Ise asked, holding the pumpkin-shaped basket for his candy. "Chi-chan and Ken-kun are waiting!"

"Alright, alright, c'mon then." Touma stood up from his seat, straightening out his costume. "I still hate that you convinced me to go like this, by the way."

"Well, if Kouta-san is going in his Fruit Jesus outfit, then you gotta go in your Savior of Wonder World outfit too, Touma!" Rintaro said cheerily.

"...Says the one who only had to change out his jacket," Touma grumbled.

[toku-explained]

The Master Swordsman's Goal

SSSS.Dynazenon: And from their own perspective, here's Anti, now going by Knight, and Anosillus the 2nd, both have clearly aged. This is evidently not Akane's world, but another one they've come to protect due to Kaiju emerging endangering it. GridKnight attacks Bullbind, after using a GridKnight Storm the Eugenecists opt to retreat, and then he turns his attention to DynaRex, before powering down when he hits his limit. Dynazenon is pretty beat up, and Koyomi suddenly rushes off. The rest split off to seek Bullbind, Gauma regretful for letting it get damaged. Anosillus tells Knight to watch for now. The Eugenecists don't know what to do, Mujina is still different. Koyomi stops at a wrecked car he spotted, where Arata is injured, and decides to leave him, but remembers words with Inamoto-san when they reunited, and realises he has to help him. Gauma drags Yomogi and Yume for food, Onija iterates to Mujina that there work is to destroy humanity, not satisfy grudges. Chise finds the others, they agree to wait together in case Bullbind appears. Koyomi finally arrives in a dark mood when Knight and Anosillus appear, Knight berating them for their poor battle earlier. They go by the GridKnight Alliance now. Knight explains who he is, and acknowledges Dynazenon isn't a Kaiju, Gauma immediately refuses an offer of alliance, he and Knight rub each other the wrong way. Between themselves, Knight and Anosillus refer to Dynazenon and others as like a world's antibodies against Kaiju. Koyomi explains to Gauma that he went to save someone he thinks he hates, Gauma commends him though and offers wisdom from the person he's seeking, Chise listens in uneasy. When Yomogi asks about Yume's toy she opens up more about how distant her relationship with Kano had been, and she has no idea if Kano did kill herself, and if she did why she smilingly asked her tobthe recital, Yomogi winds up crying and insists they keep trying to find the answer, and she seems to sincerely smile. Chise's seed seems to be sprouting. After a long night of Mujina and Onija powering it up, Bullbind rides. Dynazenon battles, struggling with the damaged leg. Knight joins the battle, with a reprise of humanlove. Anosilus uses their one Fixer Beam to repair Dynazenon. It's a proper team up to defeat the enemy, but both sides seem surprisingly optimistic in the end. The GridKnight Alliance head off, Yomogi and Yume head off to school, and Koyomi gets a grateful phonecall from Inamoto-san before just sitting with Chise. Yume' next step is to find Futaba.

Heroes' Odyssey: Z continues the story, describing Sevengar, Windom and King Joe STORAGE Custom battling Destrudos, Haruki saving Yoko, and Z, Haruki and Beliarok battling Destrudos. Afterwards, Zero acknowledges Z as an Ultraman, and they part ways.

Saber: When Touma hugs Luna for a moment all his books, and Wonder Story glow. For a moment the 3 friends are all children again, but Kento returns to his fatalistic attitude just in time for Sabela to grab Luna. He knows where it will end. Ryoga is still unhappy about unsealing Bacht, but Master Logos does point out he needs Kyomu and Eternal Phoenix. Touma awakens after a night haunted by Kento's words. Rintaro, Ogami and Daishinji arrive where the Worlds connected twice before, Master Logos, the Shindais and Luna then appear. On a table they have Genbu Shunwa, Hanselnuts to Gretel, King of Arthur, Lamp do Alangina, Kin no Buki Gin no Buki and X Swordman, and a tree contains Gekido, Ikazuchi, Suzune and Saikou. Blades Tategami Hyoujuu Senki faces Durandal, while Storious arrives to watch. Touma leaves Mei and Sophia behind. Desast senses what's happening and informs Ren. Sabela takes Ogami and Daishinji hostage, which lets Durandal beat Rintaro, Nagare flies to the tree and Lion Senki and Tategami Hyoujuu Senki to Master Logos' table, he groats. Kento arrives, telling him his ambitions will fail, and uses Jaou Dragon, seals all the Seiken in the tree. Bacht arrives, swiftly defeating Durandal and Sabela, Master Logos casually places Ocean History and Konchu Daihyakka as Kaiji and Noroshi fly up, telling the siblings their work is done, Ryoga stopping Reika from lashing out. Falchion clashes with Caliber when Kenzan arrives, seeking to demonstrate his strength by defeating everyone, asserting he rejects Kento, Desast watching. When Falchion attacks a down Kenzan Caliber defends him, losing Kurayami and Jaaku Dragon and giving Master Logos eleven Books, Kento admitting he can't help himself from protecting his friends. A lashing out Kenzan is quickly beaten by Falchion, giving Master Logos Sarutobi Ninjaden and Hayate. Touma and Mei arrive, starting with Elemental Dragon Saber to battle Falchion. As Luna awakens, Master Logos opens the Book of Ruin, drawing out the Dragon of Love and Dragon of Pride, which also brings out the Dragon of Courage from Saber's books, combining into Emotional Dragon, Saber using it. Falchion tells him his power will bring more conflict, Touma swears to protect, defeating him and giving Master Logos Eternal Phoenix and Kyomu, he gloats as Bacht falls apart for possibly good. Master Logos thanks Touma for being a pawn and attacks, sending Rekka to the tree and giving him Brave Dragon, Dragonic Knight, Primitive Dragon, Elemental Dragon and Emotional Dragon. 18 books, 11 Seiken. Adding his own book, the spell starts, the books and Seiken flying into the portal, as Storious notes the needed spell components. Luna is forcefully dragged up and Sophia arrives, choosing to act as her replacement, but Master Logos drags her down. The Original Book appears. Luna calling for Touma manages to create a bridge which lets him reach her and pull her free. Kento notes the future is changing, but Master Logos doesn't care, as energy from books in both Bases flows out to restore the Original Book. Touma pulls Rekka free and destroys the spell, the Seiken and Books fall to earth and Yuri appearing from the fallen Saikou. Everyone reclaims their unsealed Seiken and Books, Kento erring briefly between Ikazuchi and Kurayami before choosing Kurayami, while what remains of the Original Book turns into a Wonder Ride Book and falls to Master Logos. As the Northern Base members prepare to fight, a Golden Seiken appears to Master Logos, which he uses to grant everyone a taste of what Kento has seen and escape. Storious leaves. An exhausted Luna vanishes, but hopes she will be back. Kento leaves, leaving Ikazuchi and Lamp do Alangina, while Ren and Desast sneak off.

Zenkaiger: Kaito and Vroon spot Flint and the twins, who are arguing over Buns when Onigokko World appears, Riki and Katana intend to settle there argument by beating him, but are made into the Oni by Onigokko World, forced to tag others, with everyone tagged also forced to be an Oni. Zenkaiser and ZenkaiVroon try to fight at long range, but the twins ambush Vroon, Zox grabs Flint right as the twins ambush her, then the others arrive, Gaon shooting Vroon and Magine creating a slingshot to lose the twins. Zox promises to save the twins. At Colourful a plan is made between Kaito's skill and Magine's magic, but Vroon arrives, tagging her and Yatchan, forcing the others to flee. Kaito runs into Flint, who blames herself for the Twins situation now and what happened in SDtopia, due to her not stopping their arguments, Kaito offers some advice from his parents before they're ambushed, they flee for a moment before splitting, Flint having an epiphany. Onigokko World starts tagging more when the Zenkaigers arrive, all changing even as Magine and Vroon chase the others. Unable to shoot through the crowd, Zenkaiser uses Goseiger to Tensou Windrive Card, getting the Oni away, but the twins get Gaon, and Onigokko World uses rocket tag to get Zyuran. As Zenkaiger runs, Twokaiser jumps from CrocoDaiOh above, in the air using the Gekiranger Gear to give himself the SaiBlade and hit Onigokko World, ending the game. Flint has made new gears for Zox based on Kaito's, showing those for Kakuranger, Megaranger, Patranger, Zyuohger and Ryusoulger. Twokaiser then uses Hurricanger for the Senben Knocks attack, Secchan noting the same gears cause different effects for Twokaiser. The Zenkaigers finish the job, then Dai Onigokko World arrives alongside another Kudaitest. ZenkaiOh ZyuraGaon leaps into battle, and is forced into Bomb Tag. Thanks to ZenkaiOh VrooMagine they tag the Kudaitest just in time. With the twins wanting payback, they grow, CrocoDaiOh separating into the Katana ridden CrossSkyOh and Riki ridden CrawlingOh. Dai Onigokko manages to tag one of them, the pair tagging back and forth, but ambush him at the last second, the fight a ruse. Flint thanks Kaito for the inspiration. Ijirude is finishing a project.

Dogengers Nice Buddy: Ohgaman explains the timeline of what's just happened, and it's evident from looking at them that the Great Z at the show is just a guy in a suit, and he leaves after the audience is teleported away, while the real one wails on Yamashiron and Fukuokaliber. He then uses his drones with the Affect System to show a DX mecha commercial, summoning the Great Daizenshin Robo, entering it and attacking the assembled heroes, seeming to consider the Marou Kaijin collateral. Tanaka finds himself not changing, the suddenly present Shuraomaru pointing out his changer's absence. A final attack is stopped by the arrival of Kitaqman Metal, and Shuraomaru ninja smoke bombs them away. Great Z has some kind of attack and Great Daizenshin fades, he's still struggling. At base the Marou Kaijin are on their own, while the Dogengers seem quite despondent over something Great Z said. Maid Shitsuji, Shuraomaru and Metal waiting for them to speak. Metal explains he and Shuraomaru had been fighting when a broadcast showed them recent events up to episode 3, and they agreed to help out. Metal shows a Great Z CM, most recover but Yamashiron is bothered, presumably because he picked a fight with a normal person. After Yabai Kamen is brought up Metal devises a rescue plan, putting the established pairs together, and having Maid Shitsuji and Shuraomaru team up to save Yabai Kamen, he'll be support and the Marou Kaijin will take care of the base. Yamashiron, Aoiron and Daidairon are still despondent, Ohgaman gives some words before rolling out, Fukuokaliber and Yamashiron left behind. The stage show Great Z comes over to the ailing real Great Z, checks if he's ready for this, asvthe stage show Great Z removes his helmet, revealing himself to be Riku.

[asknarashikari]

Sorry, but don't worry the angst train is going to reach final happy stop. Thanks to Philip's sudden (& mysterious - will be explained later) discovery on Gaia library, the culprit was finally identified, an interdimensional wild beast feeding on memory. However according to Philip, to safely return the memory, the killing blow must be done by one of its victim. Moreover since attack on Touma, the beast manage to eat more memory (from civilians) and growing bigger as big as a truck and stronger.

I hope you guys don’t mind me combining the prompts but we need to get off this angst train stat

“Philip, there’s gotta be another way to take this thing down!” Shoutaro called out to his partner desperately. “We can’t take the risk of someone else getting hit by that attack!”

“I know, Shoutaro, I’m trying!” Philip retorted with gritted teeth. “How much more time can you buy me?”

“Not... much!” replied Sougo, who was punching at the truck-sized kaiju with fists of flame. “This thing... isn’t going down without a fight...!”

“We can’t let it... do what it did to Touma... to anyone else...!” Rintaro grunted, his sword cutting through the monster with shards of ice it only seemed to shrug off.

“You’re right.” Everyone stopped in their tracks as a new voice entered the fray. “That’s why... I have to take it down.”

“Touma?!” exclaimed Kento, seeing his lover walk into the battlefield with Mei right at his heels, yelling for him to go back to the hospital with her. “What are you doing here? You should be-”

The writer resolutely walked forward. “I overheard everything from the nurse,” he explained, holding Xross Saber in his hand. “The killing blow should come from one of its victims... and I’m the only one who could do it.”

Emu swore under his breath, remembering his brief call to Poppy.

Rintaro and Kento cancelled their transformations and went to Touma’s side. “You don’t have to do this, Touma,” Mei pleaded. “If you get hit by another attack of his...”

“I risk losing the rest of my memories. I know that, too,” Touma replied. “But I couldn’t just lie there and do nothing. Not when I knew you guys were fighting for my sake.” 

He looked down at the sword in his hand. “I may not remember anything about being a swordsman, or being a Kamen Rider... but when I think about you guys, my heart aches,” he said softly, startling the trio gathered around him. “I don’t remember anything about our relationship, but my heart knows you’re important to me.” His grip on Xross Saber tightened. “And... it tells me... that whatever I had with you, it’s worth fighting for. And that is exactly what I’m going to do.”

“Touma...” 

He looked up at the monster who had stolen a year from his life. “I’ll be the one to decide the ending of this story... by retaking the one you took from me!” Touma cried in determination.

The Swordriver appeared around his waist, as if by magic, and Touma instinctively sheathed Xross Saber within it. He inserted Brave Dragon into its designated slot, and with his signature flourish, unsheathed his sword once more. “Henshin!”

The gathered Riders stared in awe, subconsciously retreating from the fight as Touma transformed into a glittering, starry suit. “Wow... so that’s Touma’s final form...” whispered Shinnosuke. “It’s even shinier than Haruto...”

“Oi,” Haruto half-heartedly said, despite staring at the cosmic-themed form himself.

Without missing a beat, the amnesiac Rider slid the distinctive emblem on the sword up to the first notch on the blade and pressed the trigger in succession before sliding it back to the base.

Rekka! Scanned! Nagare! Scanned! Ikazuchi! Scanned! Rekka Nagare Ikazuchi Xross Giri!

Touma slashed his sword, and projections of the three swords appeared at his side, glowing with the power of their respective elements. With another flick of his wrist, the three Seiken flew into the memory-devouring monster, striking it square in the chest. The three elements combined to devastating attack, consuming the monster in a massive explosion, defeating it in a mere instant.

“Holy shit, kid’s more overpowered than I thought...” Tsukasa muttered. “Wait, what are those...?”

In the wake of the monster’s demise, little balls of light floated up from where it stood, flying into the sky. “Are those... the memories it stole...?” wondered Philip in fascination. “If so...”

Sure enough, one of the little balls of light floated towards Touma, who stared at it for a moment before it entered him, through his chest. He stumbled backward, his transformation cancelling out with a groan.

“Touma!” Kento, Rintaro and Mei scrambled to catch him before he hit his head on the asphalt. Kento managed to catch him and gently lowered him, leaning him against his knee as he faintly stirred. 

“Touma, are you okay? Maybe we should get you back to the hospital... mmmph?” Kento yelped in surprise as he was grabbed by the collar of his white sweater and dragged into a passionate kiss by the author. He was so shocked that he couldn’t even respond before Touma drew away, leaving him flustered, blushing and very dazed.

“E-Eh? Touma, what’s happening-” Rintaro found himself unceremoniously silenced in the same manner, with his novelist devouring his mouth and smooching him with an almost desperate fervor. When he drew back Rintaro’s eyes were glazed over, and he was reduced to stammering and stuttering incoherently.

“Wait, doesn’t this mean...” Mei couldn’t even finish her sentence before Touma reached out for her chin and pulled her down for yet another heated kiss. Mei let out a squeal as Touma practically made out with her, and when he pulled away Mei nearly stumbled forward and fell onto him, blushing brightly and gaping in shock.

The rest of the present Riders- the five other swordsmen, the twenty-one Riders of the Heisei era and their respective seconds, as well as Touma’s immediate predecessor and his partner all gaped at everything unfolding, with varying levels of surprise, embarrassment and/or amusement. Some of them had the grace to look away to give them some semblance of privacy, but nearly everyone just stared as Touma kissed the living daylights out his lovers in turn. 

The trio looked at Touma, who grinned at them brightly. “Kento, Rintaro, Mei... Koishiteru.”

Kento, Rintaro and Mei stared at him for a long moment of silence before they sagged and grabbed Touma in a hug, crying in relief. “Koishiteru, Touma.”

[asknarashikari]

Alternate scene/minific for Saber episode 35: Kento does grab Ikazuchi

Me watching the episode: You fucking idiot hedgehog it was right fucking there why didn’t you take them you could’ve taken both of them even aaaaaaaaaaaargh

Kento watched as the Omniscient Tome burned with Rekka’s flames. He heard Master Logos snarl, his plans frustrated, but his eyes were still on Touma, who fussed over Luna after they landed safely back onto the ground.

“Touma... you...” he thought in amazement. He was stumped, for the first time in a long time. He had no explanation for how Touma averted the cataclysm he’d seen in his visions. 

The Omniscient Tome shattered into flecks of light that fell onto the ground, turning back into the Seiken and Wonder Ride Books. Somehow, they seemed to find their way to their wielders. 

Nagare, Gekido, and Suzune landing right in front of Rintaro, Ogami-san and Daishinji-san respectively, along with their corresponding Ride Books. Daishinji-san looked particularly relieved as he retrieved his blade. Behind him, he can hear Ren’s delighted laugh as he hefted Hayate, while the Shindai siblings glanced warily at their master as they clutched Noroshi and Kaiji.

Yuri reappeared from Saikou not far from them too, holding his pair of Ride Books, exclaiming, “Touma really is the best!”

And... 

Two blades planted themselves into the ground in front of him. Kento’s eyes widened. Kurayami.... and Ikazuchi...?

He found himself instinctively reaching for the latter, like he was reaching for the lightning he used to wield, just dancing on his fingertips, ready to be unleashed once more. Like he could hear the thunder roaring in his ears again. Like Ikazuchi itself was calling out to him. 

He hesitated as he looked at Kurayami. The pull of its power was undeniable, and Kento’s instincts told him he might still need it, or maybe was it Kurayami telling him that...?

He shook his head. No. Touma, and all the others, had already proven that the future could be changed. He saved Luna, he saved everyone. Kurayami had been wrong. He had been wrong. And now he was sure what needed to be done to set things right.

Ikazuchi... he prayed, lend me your strength once more.

Of course, it sang to him, command me once more, my chosen warrior.

The moment his fingers closed on the grip, he knew he made the right decision as the feeling of rightness settled deeply into him, the lightning coursing through his veins as if chasing away the darkness he’d let seep in. The Swordriver appeared around his waist once more, and it was almost surprising how light it was compared to the Caliburdriver.

“Kento-kun...!” He heard Ren gasp. 

“About damn time,” Touma chuckled, Luna giggling beside him. Mei cheered and the other swordsmen grinned at him. Yuri nodded at him in approval.

Kento couldn’t help but return the grin, even as Master Logos loomed threateningly not even a few meters from them. It was great to be back.

[asknarashikari]

Fic where despite Mei throwing away the potato sack coat, Kento secretly kept it to remind himself of his renewed resolve to stay with the ones who loved him whenever he has a bout of depression and the rest of the OT4 walk in on this and comfort and love him (Because Kento is a precious lightning hedgehog boy who must be protected at all costs!)

Personally I feel like Mei would dispose of the potato sack with more... permanent methods (me and @askrikkaiandhyotei​ hc that Mei has Touma get rid of it via burning it with Rekka lmao) 

But yeah, I kinda get what you mean. I think he would have something else that would remind him of that promise more than the potato sack...

Kento sang a soft tune as he took a soft cloth, poured a little of the cleaning fluid Daishinji-san had lent him, then started to polish Raimeiken Ikazuchi. The Seiken buzzed under his fingers, soft and gentle, like the hum of electricity just before a storm.

“I’m sorry I abandoned you for so long,” he whispered to the Sacred Sword, taking care to clean the blade as thoroughly as he could. “I’m so happy you still chose me, after all this time... After what I’ve done...”

He shuddered as the dark, intrusive thoughts started encroaching on his mind again. The images of the world’s destruction, his friends dying as the world dissolved before their eyes... Touma, dying in his arms... Rintaro, sacrificing his life for Mei, only for her to lose herself as well... the only path to salvation was... 

Ikazuchi hissed warningly in his hand, giving him a small shock to boot, as if to chide him for such thoughts. 

Kento looked down at the blade in his hand. The sword Touma entrusted to him, knowing he would do the right thing... Knowing, waiting for him... along with Mei, and Rintaro, and everyone else.

Kento took a deep breath, trying to keep the dark thoughts at bay. No, no... that wasn’t... He had sworn to not let those images decide his future anymore. He had promised... he was going to stay by their side no matter what. He was going to fight for the future he wanted... the future he wanted with them...

It was still so easy to think they’d be better without him... So easy to think that he should be the one to...

“Kento?”

He looked up to see Touma, and Rintaro, and Mei, looking at him in concern. “Oh... guys... What’s up?” he asked. 

Touma smiled sadly, kneeling in front of him, taking his Seiken and the cleaning supplies and putting them on the coffee table behind him. He took Kento’s hands in his and pressed a soft kiss against them. 

Kento’s breath hitched, his heart aching from the incredibly soft gesture. “Touma?” he asked.

“It’s okay, Kento. I know you’re not completely alright yet,” he whispered softly. “But I want you to know... I’m here for you. Every step of the way.”

“And so will I,” said Rintaro, making gentle, soothing gestures on his back. “Whatever you need Kento, I will be here for you.”

“Me too,” declared Mei, pulling his head into her shoulder as she smoothed down his hair. “I won’t ever leave you, Kento.”

“You guys...” 

Touma smiled sadly and moved to embrace him tightly. Kento clung to him, and Mei and Rintaro moved closer to hug him as well. Kento, feeling safe and reassured in their arms, allowed the tears to fall. 

Kento breathed, the dark thoughts dissolving away into nothing as the others chased it away with their love and light. He sobbed in relief. “You guys... thank you...” 

Kento knew he was far from being alright. But with the people he loved by his side... he knew one day, he would be.

(And there on the table, momentarily unseen by the four, the Sword of Lightning glowed, sparks flying as it purred in happiness.)

[toku-explained]

The Master Swordsman

SSSS.DYNAZENON: Chise is now also practicing with DynaSoldier, doing pretty well, and Yomogi and Koyomi test DynaSoldier Striker Combine, but they struggle to balance. Yomogi and Yume meet Urita, who shares footage of Kano, while Koyomi meets with Inamoto-san, wondering if its okay to be out drinking with a married woman, and recalling a misspent youth with her. At school Yomogi and Yume wonder about Sizumu, when Chise invites everyone to Beach Land he gets himself invited, Gauma intending to use the chance to capture him. On the day, Yume notices Chise is still wearing her black sleeve with her swimsuit, Gauma orders Yomogi and Yume to act as lovers so they can catch Sizumu off guard, his attempts at catching him are held up by lifeguard warnings. There's a fun day, until Yume goes into shock after seeing a woman fall in the pool. Today's Kaiju is melting objects. Yomogi doesn't realise why Yume's freaking out, Gauma seems in rough shape. Sizumu tells Yume and Yomogi more about the Eugenecists philosophy, of humans hurting other humans and themselves because of expectations. Juuga, Onija and Mujina turn up, grabbing Sizumu for the day's operation, though Mujina at least definitely wanted to enjoy herself. Sizumu awakens Neophobia, as the team rush in as well. Neophobia prevents a proper combination into Dynazenon, targeting DynaWing, so they form DynaSoldier Striker Combine again, struggling to balance to hit Neophobia long enough to break the attack. Dynazenon forms, struggles, quickly forms DynaRex, and wipes Neophobia out. The Eugenecists head back to the pool while Onija rages until nearly being hit again. Gauma and Chise decide to have fun in the river, Yume is about to join when Urita messages, saying he can get her contact with Fuuma, who had been club vice president. She and Yomogi meet him, and reluctantly informs her that the rumour was that, Kano's death was not an accident, but suicide.

Heroes' Odyssey: After a quick look at Z Gamma Future, we look at another hero using Tiga's power, Ultraman Orb Specium Zeperion, and his battle with Maga-Basser, followed by a short look at Orb Burnmite facing Maga-Jappa, Gai battling Juggler, Orb Hurricane Slash against Hyper Zetton Deathscythe, Orb Thunder Breaster against Maga-Orochi, and the reappearance of Orb Origin.

Saber: Southern Base are highlighted to have Ikazuchi, Gekido, Suzune, Noroshi and Kaiji, and the Wonder Ride Books Lamp do Alangina, Genbu Shinwa, Hanselnuts to Gretel, Konchu Daihyakka, Ocean History and King of Arthur, with Master Logos wanting the other Seiken retrieved and Ren eliminated by Reika. Kento cannot understand Rintaro's prevailing over Zooous, and receives another vision of sealing Ikazuchi. Mei apologises to Sophia for losing the key, Yuri explains Viktor and the First, which the Northern Base knows not of, Touma decides to try and convince Kento again, while Rintaro, Yuri and Mei look for Ren. Reika raises her new concerns to Ryoga about Master Logos and the Megiddo, but won't hear it and tells her to just follow orders. Desast appears to Ren, telling him to forget Kento and join him. Touma finds Kento to talk, while Mei loses Yuri and Rintaro. Touma tells Kento what he now remembers from 15 years prior, he and Luna had fought, and when Kento brought him back to apologise the Megiddo attack was in full swing. When his saving Sophia is brought up, Kento reveals she was created by Master Logos in Luna's image as a bridge between worlds, and is needed for Master Logos to complete the Original Book. Touma asks Kento to explain his visions, and he recalls seeing Touma vanish from the world, when Master Logos appears holding his Book and Ikazuchi, while Reika appears to Ren and Desast. Kento did a bad job sealing Hayate, as Ren is still able to become Kenzan to face Sabela, but he doesn't separate the blades. Master Logos explains how he intends to make a world where he rules over all humanity. Saber Elemental Dragon and Caliber Jaaku Dragon face him, Master Logos confirms it was he who manipulated Hayato into sacrificing Luna, the fact it was a sacrifice in particular is the key revelation, but looks like Kento already knew, and Master Logos pulls out Gekido to use both Seiken against them, both swearing to save Luna. Rekka reacts again, causing Wonder World elements to appear and a gap in space with Luna, Touma runs for her but it vanishes before he gets there. Amused, Master Logos leaves. When Sabela has Kenzan on the ropes Desast joins in, allowing them to take the advantage, Desast takes a finisher for Kenzan right before Rintaro arrives. Blades Tategami Hyouju Senki forces Reika to retreat, but Ren runs off as Yuri and Mei get there. Desast reforms, and Ren, annoyed nonetheless agreesvto follow him, and defeat him in the end. Touma again asks Kento to join him, and he cobsiders it, but refuses, not saying its because Touma is doomed if they fight together. Sophia finds the book she had secured gone, and Storious is busy using it to make his own Sophia. With Luna having reappeared, Master Logos decides to open the Book of Ruin once more.

Zenkaiger: Zyuran and Magine are the only ones wary of new arrival Zox Goldtsuikar, but questions quickly turn to his sentai Gear, but he just wants to eat. He eats at Colourful along with his fellow World Pirates, younger sister Flint Goldtsuikar, and the twins, diminutive robots Twokai Katana and Twokai Riki. Secchan questions if they're connected to the Gokaigers, but Flint says after seeing them on their own world she stole their design for Twokaiser, they're originally from Kaizokutopia. They then steal Colourful's entire stock, after Yatsude frees them Kaito challenges Zox to have him pay his bill. Stacey lays into Ijirude, as does Boccowaus, and then while Ijirude works on plans, Barashitara has sent Kashiwa Mochi World out. Zenkaiser and Twokaiser battle, seeing they use Gears, Zox asks if he stole them from the Tojitendo, explaining that when the invaded Kaizokutopia him and Flint did a retaliatory raid. Kashiwa Mochi World affects Flint, Magine and Gaon, who all ate it yesterday, sending them off for more. Zenkaiser uses the Denziman Gear, activating the Denzi Punch. As more and more people go crazy for Kashiwa Mochi, with even shady dealers, Kaito tries to go help, but Zox won't stop the fight, until Riki calls out about Flint being affected. When ZenkaiZyuran and ZenkaiVroon arrive, Kashiwa Mochi World is even able to set his victims on them. Twokaiser, pissed that his sister has been messed with, changes the battle to be about who defeats Kashiwa Mochi World. Twokaiser uses a Riki Gear to join with him into Ohren Form, which appears to be inspired by Kingranger and/or Gunmazin, here he clearly has Riki's will as well as his own. He then uses a Katana Gear to join with him as Shinken Form, inspired by the Shinkenger's Super or Hyper forms. Zenkaiser rips Kashiwa Mochi World's leaf off, which allows a Shinken Issen to finish him. Dai Kashiwa Mochi World springs up, ZenkaiOh ZyuraGaon faces him and wins. Kaito is glum about failing to win, when Zox shows up at Colouful to pay his debt, since Kaito technically defeated Kashiwa Mochi World, so he also won't pillage them, and hands them some other world's currency.

Dogengers Nice Buddy: Great Z and Shaberryman celebrate Maid Shitsuji's upgrade, Great Z intends to continue the fight, but seems to become fatigued, and leaves with Shaberryman, Maid Shitsuji is also fatigued. Yabai Kamen pines for the Dogengers while refusing to look at Hanagata, Shaberryman tries to convince him to work with them, revealing they've now brought the Karamis, Marou Kaijin, Nectaris and Uzagi to the house to join the show. Yabai Kamen asks what Hanagata gets from this, and he recalls a young boy playing with a Great K sofubi, but says something different before getting a call and assigning Gulf and Gallia to CM work, Shaberryman continues trying to convince Yabai Kamen, saying something about Maid Shitsuji, which actually excites Yabai Kamen. Cut to Maid Shitsuji requesting help from the "family" of Papaqman, Mamashiron and Boy Brave, but Fukuokaliber decides to let them stay. They wonder what happened to Tanaka and Ohgaman right as they get back, revealing they wound up in Kagoshima and met with Kojjn Senshi NEW Ex. Kitaqman tries to get a rise out of Maid Shitsuji, who holds it in until Kitaqman and El Brave leave. Gulf, Gallia and Great Z film a CM for main sponsor Pizza Cooc. After Great Z broods on the legacy he's maintaining, and the Dogengers being in the way. A scene is being refined when El Brave and Kitaqman crash it, leading Great Z to warp them away. They hold him up, but Kiaqman can't get his Nice Buddy to fire, so Great Z tells the Marou Kaijin to handle it. El Brave does manage to fire, but his shots go wide. Gulf continues to fight them, with Gallia more pranking. Kitaqman gets distracted, unmasking as Taki Yuki to talk about his helmet, El Brave gets mad at him, so Kitaqman takes his mask off, but of course El Brave has his wrestling mask underneath. They then flee when Kitaqman agains can't fire, but the Affect System warps Gulf and Gallia away, confusing them.