Tom, Anton, the Elements of Harmony and Bon Bon were all sitting around the giant table in Twilight’s castle. None of them had said anything though, and the atmosphere was incredibly tense.

The heavy thoughts and feelings swirling in the room created an atmosphere of sorrow and anxiety, with each of them contemplating the situation…

“AAAARGH!” Suddenly, Rainbow Dash roared out. “Somepony SAY SOMETHING already!”

“What do you want us to say, then?” Anton growled. “That we messed up? That an innocent pony got taken to Gaim-knows-where because of our inability to do anything? That we’re not GOOD ENOUGH!?” Anton slammed his leg against the table.

“Whoa, calm down!” Tom asked. But Anton was having none of it.

“You’re just as responsible as I am, kingy boy! Neither of us could do shit!”

“You two, stop it!” Twilight demanded. “This isn’t helping anything!”

Tom and Anton both backed down, Anton looking away.

“Now then…as far as I can tell, wherever they took Lyra isn’t in Equestria…it may not even be on Equus proper, if my theory is correct.” Twilight explained.

“Not on Equus proper? What do ya mean by that?” Applejack asked. “Y’all are tellin’ me there’s more of them alien varmints?” At that, Tom glared at Applejack. “Oh…sorry, sugarcube, old habits and all.”

“...so if we can find out where they’re coming from, we can save Lyra, right?” Bon Bon asked. She hadn’t said much, most of her time was spent staring into space. It was as if Lyra’s kidnapping had also taken a part of her very being with her.

“Yes…but doing so is easier said than done…” Twilight continued. “We’d have to figure out not just where they are, but how to get there…”

“And that’s where I come in to save the day!” A voice rang out as a door appeared above the table, and out came Discord, dressed in a gorilla suit.
“Sorry I’m late, here’s my card.” Discord pulled out a small card and gave it to Twilight.

“...a 5 of Clubs?” Twilight asked. “Discord, this isn’t the time for your shenanigans!”

“Oh, but it is! Especially since I can help you get the mint one back.” Discord said, but was interrupted by shouting and grunting from nearby. It was Anton, who had his ax out, and Bon Bon, who had been holding him back in a Full Nelson.

“Let me go! I’m gonna chop him into his individual parts AND THEN MAKE HIM EAT THEM!” Anton raged.

“He’s not the Discord that-” Bon Bon said but Anton continued struggling, and eventually broke free, lunging at the chaotic being.

Discord chuckled and teleported out of the way as Anton’s missed lunge caused him to face plant into a nearby wall.

“Anyway, Edgy McEdgelord aside, I should be able to help you get to wherever those phonies went.” Discord said.

“And you’re willing to…?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, I’m hurt. We’re friends now - and I mean actual friends. Fluttershy is still my best friend, of course, but I care about you too…” Discord sighed. “That, and I have my own reasons…”

“Your own reasons?” Tom asked, an eyebrow raised.

“Teaching that bootleg bastard his place, of course!” Discord said angrily. “There’s only one Spirit of Chaos here! Accept no substitutes!” He showed a mark on his foot that looked like a cartoon seal giving a thumbs up. “My seal of approval, everyone!”

Tom just blinked, even as a Kamen Rider and having learned of the crazy things his predecessors dealt with, he was still not used to Discord’s presence.

“Let’s get back on topic- you can help us get to wherever they took Lyra?” Tom asked.

Discord nodded. “The dimensional walls around Equus are actually rather thin- you’re welcome by the way- so I could easily bring one or two of you with me.”

“Then we’ll go.” Twilight said. “Tom and I will go and-”

“Hold it!” Anton barked, having regained his balance. “I’m the one who’s going to save her! And I don’t need some half-baked hero king or his horsey harem holding me back!”
“What did you say!?” Fluttershy, who had been quiet this whole time, stood up in anger. This time, she would use the Stare.

Anton felt it…a heavy sense of shame boring down on him…but he knew those weren’t his own thoughts and smacked himself back to his senses before angrily glaring at Fluttershy.

“Mind control!?” Anton shook his head. “Why I oughta-”

“Anton, enough!” Bon Bon yelled. “This isn’t getting us anywhere!”

Anton growled, but relented and sat back down.

Bon Bon sighed. “Princess Twilight, I can appreciate your willingness to help, but it really should be me and Anton who do this.” She turned to Discord.

“I don’t need HIS help for this.” Anton grumbled. “I mean, I’ve got the Time Mazine - wait, crap!” He quickly shut his mouth.

“Excuse me? ‘Time Mazine’?” Tom asked.

“None of your business. Come on Bon Bon, let’s go do something actually useful.” Anton said as he stood up and walked out.

“Hey, where are you going!?” Bon Bon yelled as she ran after him.

“Whatever the hay he’s hidin’, it’s BIG.” Applejack said. Tom nodded and pulled out the Taka Watchroid again, pressing the button to make it unfold.

“Follow him, but don’t be noticed.” Tom commanded. The bird-shaped robot took to the air, following the rebellious Rider out of the castle.

—------

A short while later, Anton and Bon Bon approached his old hiding spot in the Everfree. Bon Bon looked around, confused.

“So, what’s this Time Mazine thing, anyway?” Bon Bon asked.

“It’s my ride. And our ticket to finding Minty and beating the crap out of the assholes who kidnapped her.”

“And why is it called a Time Mazine? That name makes no sense.”

“Beats me, I didn’t name it.” Anton shrugged. He stopped walking, and looked around.

“Alright, looks like we aren’t being tailed…” He pulled out his personal RideWatch and clicked the button on top of it three times.

“TIME MAZINE!” A voice announced as a large vaguely bike shaped vehicle rose out of the ground.

“...how in Celestia’s name did you manage to hide it like that!?” Bon Bon squeaked.

“Hard work and determination. You coming?” Anton beckoned his reluctant companion to follow as a hatch opened up in the machine’s front, forming a staircase to enter. The two climbed in, and as the hatch was shutting…

“....punch it!” Another voice called out as Tom and Twilight sped forward on his RideStriker, Twilight holding on to Tom for dear life.

“JUMP!” The two leapt into the air and grabbed onto the closing door, Anton furiously trying to make it shut faster.

“What in the absolute Helheim are you idiots trying to pull!?” Anton said angrily, as Tom used the TakaWatch to retrieve the watch that turned into his bike before the hatch was closed.

“Sorry, but I’m a Kamen Rider too, and she’s a government official. We’re coming whether you like it or not.” Tom bluntly explained.

“Argh! Fine, but I’m not responsible for you two!” Anton growled.

“Make that three~!” Another voice came from Tom’s pocket. It was Discord, having taken the shape of a RideWatch himself.

Anton was about to lose it but Bon Bon stopped him. “You’re driving, moron. Dial it down a few hundred notches.”

Anton snarled, but took the helm once again.

“And now, I’ll find out where the destination is with my ultimate decision-making skills!” Discord announced. “Let’s see…eeny, meeny, miny, moe…” The hand part of the watch Discord was currently imitating stretched out and pointed at a specific portal. “There.”

“...are you serious? You just came up with that on the fly!” Anton said.

“No, really! It’s the right way!” Discord said. “I swear on everyone else’s life but mine and Fluttershy’s.”
“...” Anton was unimpressed.

“Alright, fine, if it turns out I’m wrong you get one free revenge swing, okay?” Discord offered. Anton immediately veered towards the portal, causing the others to stumble.

“You’ve got some messed up priorities, man.” Tom said as they came out of the portal.

The time machine soared over what seemed like endless wastes, as the group scanned for any signs of life or activity.

“Wastelands…more wastelands…what the hell happened to this world?” Tom asked.

“You better not have been screwing with us or I’ll-” Anton started but Bon Bon interrupted.

“I can see something! Looks like a city.” She stated. “If it really is enemy territory though, maybe we should park away from it.”

Anton looked around. “Ah, there’s some ruins there. I can park us there, it should be safe.” He veered towards the ruins as the vehicle slowly descended, then landed.

The front hatch opened, with Tom and Twilight accidentally spilling out.

“Oof.” Twilight moaned.

“Suck it up, purple.” Anton said. “We’re on their turf now.”

“That’s a good point, actually.” Bon Bon started. “How exactly are we supposed to even get into the city, let alone find Lyra?”

“I’ll have the TakaWatch scout for a bit, see what I can find.” Tom unleashed the watch-bird as it flew towards the city.

“And now…we wait.”

—------

The expanse of time rolled on for eternity…literally. Hours and hours of sand, building up from people’s memories. On those sands were tracks, and a black time train chugged aong them, adorned with patrol lights.

G-Den-O stared at the endless sands, lost in thought.
“You’re the one destroying our town!” “You’re the bad guy!”

“Have I…gone too far?” She stared down at the two RideWatches she had stolen. “What are these RideWatches to me, anyway?”

She moped, unmoving, until a loud POP came from behind her.

“WAAAGH!” G-Den-O fell on the floor. Behind her was a somewhat androgynous yellow stallion with pink hair wearing baker’s clothes.

“Come on, Boss, you’ve been moping like that since we came back. Have a snack and cheer up!” The stallion held out a plate of vegetables.

“...you know, I’m surprised at how well you’re able to make veggies taste good, Cheese.” She took a piece of broccoli and munched on it.

“I had to learn. Mom loved her treats, but it still weighed on her.” Cheese noted. “And dad wasn’t much better in that regard. So I had to learn to make healthy alternatives.”

They both sighed. “I miss them too, boss.”

G didn’t say anything, but looked at her belt. “I want to make things right, but at this point, I feel like we’re sacrificing the past for our own selfish wishes.”

“I don’t think it’s selfish at all, Boss!” Cheese replied. “But…I do admit there’s probably a better way to do things.”

As they pondered, their train was hit by something! Both of them fell over. “We’re under attack!”

As Cheese ran to the control room, G looked out back and saw a large, formidable crocodile-like train following them!

“The GaohLiner…? I thought they decommissioned that after Gaoh was defeated!” The GaohLiner sped up again and rammed into the smaller train.

“It’s trying to run us off the tracks!” Cheese yelled. “I’ll take the controls, Boss! You go and stop whoever’s driving that crazy thing!”

G quickly transformed and exited the train from a hatch in its roof, then jumping onto the GaohLiner as it came in for another strike. As she did, a series of gatling guns emerged from the roof of the train and fired at her! She strugged to maintain her grip, and stumbled towards the back of the train, only barely hanging on! She was able to pull herself up and enter the train from the back.

“Freeze! Whoever’s operating this train, you’re under arrest for assault on an officer!” G yelled. The driver emerged from the control room, and G was shocked.

“Gaoh! But you…you were erased!” G stammered.

“The old Gaoh, sure.” The crocodile-like Rider said, the voice clearly recognizable as female. “But his powers are mine now.”

“A new Gaoh…either way, you are to stop this train immediately!” G commanded, but Gaoh just laughed and punched her in the stomach.

“Silly little meter-maid.” Gaoh taunted. “I’m afraid that this is the end of the line for you and your buddy.” She picked up G, and climbed onto the roof of the train, throwing her back onto her own train.

She pulled out her GaohGasher and scanned the pass. “FULL CHARGE.” The announcement said.

“In the future, don’t come knocking without a warrant. Oh, wait, I forgot- you don’t have a future!” She swung her sword at the other train as it stalled, while one final smash from the GaohLiner knocked it off the tracks and into the abyssal sands.

“So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good riddance!” Gaoh cackled madly. “Oh right, I should probably get going - wouldn’t want to miss out on the spectacle!” The tracks under the GaohLiner diverged, and it took the new path to an unknown destination…

—-------

“Ah, the TakaWatch is back.” Tom said, as he held out his hand to receive the small gadget. “Now then…” Tom pulled out a small phone-like watch.

“Hey, wait a minute! I had those stowed in there! You…” Anton growled.

“And how exactly was I going to display the data?” Tom noted, Anton just crossed his arms in indignance. “Hmph!”

“Tsunderes…” Tom rolled his eyes as he connected the watches together, and a holographic window appeared.

“What’s this?” Twilight asked.

“Basically, I’m playing back the recording from the watch as it was flying over. What it saw- we’ll see here.”

The group watched the recording carefully. As the TakaWatch managed to get closer, they noticed that the entire city seemed to be inhabited by countless monsters!

“Holy…look at all of them!” Tom yelped.

“Grongi, Dopants, Phantoms, Orphnochs…even some Undead down there.” Anton commented.

But what the recording showed next would utterly sicken them. It looked to be a large sports stadium, and they saw various humans chained to the ground as a giant spider monster came out. The humans struggled as the spider monster drew closer, opening its drooling mandible…followed by a grisly sight that was too much for Twilight to handle.

“Agh! Turn it off! TURN IT OFF!” Twilight freaked out as Tom cut the feed. “That was…horrible!”

“I had no idea our enemies were so…vile!” Bon Bon added. “Even in Equestria things never got to that state!”

Tom sighed. “All those monsters you saw were enemies that other Kamen Riders fought and defeated in the past.”

Twilight and Bon Bon looked at each other worriedly. “So that means the entire city would most likely be inherently hostile to you two.”

“Yeah…so it might be a good idea for us to split up and approach this from multiple sides.” Anton explained. “Purple, you’ve got magic, right? Could you make it so you and Bon Bon are completely gray colored?”

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. “Huh? I mean I can, but…why?”

Tom was wondering too but then his face lit up with realization. “Oh, I get it! If you go into the city while gray, they’ll just think you’re a pair of Orphnochs!”

Bon Bon nodded but Twilight was more hesitant. “You mean we have to go in…there?” She whimpered.

“It’s the best way we’ve got at the moment. As for Anton and myself…” He plugged the TakaWatch back in and spawned a map. “It looks like this is some sort of large compound, potentially their base. We’ll go and attack that from the back.”

Twilight was still hesitant. “I mean…it’s a sound plan from a logical perspective, but…”

“Twilight, please!” Bon Bon pleaded. “This could be the only way we can save Lyra!”

She groaned. “I suppose…alright, let’s get this over with.” She lit up her horn, and a wave of magic swept over her and Bon Bon, turning them completely grayscale.

“Yep, you definitely make convincing Orphnochs…especially Bon Bon.” Anton chortled.

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean!?” Bon Bon whined.

“Save the flirting for later, and let’s go!” Tom commanded. Anton and Bon Bon just froze.

“F-flirting!?” Bon Bon yelped. “B-but I’m with Lyra! And I’m not into stallions!”

“He’s no stallion, I can tell you that.” Tom said tauntingly. “Though he is an ass.”

“Rrrgh…whatever, I’ll kick your ass later.” Anton growled as the groups broke off.

—--------

A few hours later, Twilight and Bon Bon had entered the city and were looking around.

“Remember, Twilight…don’t do anything to draw suspicion to yourself.” Bon Bon said. “That’s infiltration 101.”

“Right. Be as inconspicuous as possible.” Twilight nodded before something tapped her on the shoulder.

“YEEEEEK!” Twilight shrieked as she quickly ducked behind Bon Bon. Bon Bon just groaned.

“Wow, touchy much?” The tapper, a strange humanoid that looked like a minotaur missing a horn, scoffed. “Freaking Orphnochs. Nudge ’em once and they read you the riot act…” He snorted and turned away.

Bon Bon glared at Twilight. “What did I just say?” She said, irritated that their cover was almost blown after only a few minutes.

“I-I’m sorry!” Twilight stammered.

Bon Bon just sighed. “Forget it, it doesn’t look like that guy really noticed.” She looked around and noticed a group of monsters gathered.

“Let’s check it out.” Bon Bon said. Twilight gulped, but followed silently.

Twilight and Bon Bon got closer to the crowd, and what they saw immediately had Twilight cover her mouth…

“Ah, hey girls!” A random monster called out. “Come to see the results of the latest human hunt?”

It was a group of several monsters, emptying large bags of dismembered body parts…Twilight had to do everything she could to refrain from vomiting.

“Yeah, they got a huge haul this time- and apparently they’re gonna start bringing in some new species altogether? I think they called them ‘ponies’ or something…” The monster continued. “Sounds like a good time to me.”

“They’re going to do WHAT!?” Twilight thought to herself.

“Oh, hey!” One of them pointed to a cage-like vehicle. “I think those are today’s entertainment!” Twilight saw a bus full of humans and ponies, beaten and chained. “How long do you think the new meat’ll last?”

“Eh, I’d give 'em 5 minutes, tops.”

Twilight slowly backed away but stumbled on a rock, losing the grip on her magic and undoing the grayscale on her and Bon Bon.

“...well, buck.” Bon Bon sighed as she quickly grabbed Twilight and ran, the monsters chasing them!

The two quickly dove into an alley, hiding under a pile of rubbish to avoid detection. As soon as the mob dispersed, the two reemerged.

“Congratulations, Princess Twilight- you actually lasted a little longer than I thought you would.” Bon Bon said snarkingly. Twilight just frowned.

A hand reached out and tapped Twilight on the back. Twilight was about to shriek again but Bon Bon quickly clasped her hand over Twilight’s mouth. She then turned to see the source of the hand…it was an incredibly disheveled looking human.

“You two…can you help me?” The human wheezed.

—--------

Near the back end of the large city, Tom and Anton, both transformed as Zi-O and Geiz, took the fight to the security around the large compound. The guards were seemingly endless armies of low-level henchmen, but despite their numbers, the Kamen Riders were still easily cutting through their ranks.

“I don’t know why they keep sending these guys out. They’re just kind of annoying at this point.” Zi-O said, as he delivered a left jab to a Dustard’s face, followed by a leg sweep on a small group of Masquerade Dopants. “That got the kinks out,at least.”

Geiz, meanwhile, was hacking his way through with his axe, making enough room for a large attack. “Hey, kingy! If you don’t want to get blown to bits, move your ass!”

Zi-O nodded and hurled himself out of the way as Anton changed his axe into its bow form and loaded the Knight RideWatch.

“KNIGHT! TERMINAL SHOT!” A large bat-shaped energy arrow launched out of the bow, swooping down and carving through the remaining minions.

“Looks like that got the rest of them.” Geiz said as he landed. “Alright, let’s blast this place wide open and get Lyra outta here!”

Before they could, a large train car crashed in the desert behind them, making them both jump.

“Holy- almost scared the Henshin off me!” Zi-O said, trying to regain his composure.

“A time train…at least, I think it’s one. Never saw that one though.” Geiz commented.

“We should check it out.” Zi-O suggested.

“Hey, hey, hey! What about what we’re SUPPOSED to be doing?” Geiz complained, but Zi-O turned to him.

“It’d be in our best interest to go investigate it, especially considering they’ve most likely noticed too.” He pointed to the building they were about to break into.

“...alright, fine. Let’s make this quick.” Geiz sighed as he begrudgingly followed alongside his fellow Rider.

The two opened the door on the side of the train and had a look inside…the lights were out, so Zi-O used OOOArmor to make his way around, while Geiz used KnightArmor.

“You know, I don’t remember Knight having night vision…” Zi-O noted.

“His contract monster is a BAT. It’s echolocation, dumbass.” Geiz replied.

Zi-O rolled his eyes under his mask, and then noticed what looked like people on the floor.

“Hey, I see someone!” He said as he and Geiz ran over.

They saw a pair of ponies- a pink unicorn with orange mane, and a young yellow Earth Pony with a poofy pink mane.

“Huh…the little one kinda looks like Pinkie…” Zi-O noted as he tried to nudge them.

“Hey, are you alright? Can you hear me?” He shook the older mare.

“Ugh…” She opened her eyes, but immediately reeled back when she saw who was above her.

“Stay away from me!” She panicked, as she grasped around for something.

“Hey, calm down, I’m here to help!” Zi-O said gently.

“My flank you are! You’re just here for payback!” She yelled, Zi-O being confused.

“Payback…? For what? I don’t even know who you are.” The rider looked confused.

The mare got to her feet, and glared angrily at Zi-O. “You don’t know?” She pulled out a belt of her own.

“Wait, that’s…oh, that explains who you are.” Zi-O said nervously.

“I’m not going to fail this time…I’ll stop you myself! HENSHIN!” And after scanning her Rider Pass, she took the form of G Den-O.

“Hi-yah!” G Den-O threw a punch, Zi-O quickly moving to the side and grabbing her arm to lock it in place.

“Ok, seriously, what is your deal?” Zi-O asked. “You’ve got something against us, and I don’t even know what! So explain yourself!”

“...fine.” G Den-O calmed down, and undid her transformation. Zi-O did the same.

“Hey, Geiz!” Tom called out. “Over here!”

“He’s here too!?” the mysterious mare was about to transform again but Tom just swiped the Rider Pass from her hands.

“Hey!” She complained but Tom held her at arm’s length.

“None of that. Behave yourself.” Tom commanded firmly. The red Rider walked into the room as Tom was helping the younger pony to stand up.
“So, apparently this one is the G Den-O that’s been giving us problems.” Tom explained, pointing to her with his thumb as she sat there, pouting with her arms crossed. “Don’t know who the little one is though.

“My name is Luster Dawn. That’s Cheese Sandwich Jr, we call him Lil’ Cheese though.” Luster explained.

“Never met either of you before.” Tom said.

“That’d be because neither of us had been born in your time.” Lil’ Cheese explained. “Luster and I come from a future where Ponyville got…” His face turned sad, Luster patting him on the shoulder.

“Wait, what?” Tom asked. “What happened?”

“HE happened!” Luster pointed angrily at Geiz. “One day, he lost his marbles completely and went on a freaking RAMPAGE!”

“Excuse me?” Geiz retorted. “Who do you think you are!? You’re the one who’s been harassing us!”

“Oh, spare me! You’re already jonesing to murder my mom!” Luster yelled before covering her mouth.

“Wait…Starlight Glimmer’s your mom?” Tom asked.

Luster sighed. “Yeah…she’s my mom. Cheesy here’s Pinkie Pie’s son.”

Tom thought about this. “So you’re from a future where he actually went through with it?” Luster just nodded, still glaring at Geiz.

“What? She deserves it! You know that!” Geiz ranted back. “She dumped a crapload of villains on our world just because of her former hate boner for the bookhorse!”

“Geiz, that’s enough!” Tom said.

“You don’t like her any more than I do, you royal pain!” Geiz barked back.

“Yeah, I don’t like her, but I’m not gonna go and kill her for it!”

“Please stop!” Cheese spoke up. “Look…we’re sorry for the problems, we were just trying to keep Geiz from getting that power that made him go berserk in the first place!”

“Wait, what power?” Geiz asked.
“You called it “Geiz Revive”. Apparently it’s your power-up form, but when you used it, you lost control and started attacking everything indiscriminately…”

“...you know, it is kinda fitting you’d get the berserker power up.” Tom said.

“Screw you!” Geiz snapped back. “And as for you two, I don’t know what you’re on about, but my goal is to stop these assholes and that’s it! You stay out of my way, and you don’t get the axe. It’s simple.”

Tom rolled his eyes. Then Cheesy got up and handed them a small box.

“Here. I think these are yours.” The colt said as Tom opened the box to find the RideWatches Luster had stolen.

“Cheesy, what are you doing!?” Luster yelped.

“Now that he knows, I think we can trust Zi-O at least.” Cheesy explained. “Geiz is still a bunch of red flags though.”

“FNRGH…” Geiz growled. Tom just gave him a look.

“Dial it back, Black Hazard.” Tom said flatly.

“Why, Cheesy? Why?” Luster said despairingly.

“...look, Luster, you’re basically one of my big sisters and I love you and all, but stealing the RideWatches and terrorizing the past isn’t going to stop what happened from happening.”

“But…” Luster whimpered.

“Then let me handle it.” Tom chimed in. “If he goes nuts, I’ll shut him down.”

Luster scoffed. “Do you really think you can do that by yourself?”

Tom shook his head. “I’m not by myself.”

Geiz rolled his eyes under his mask. “Cheesy friendship speech in 3…2…1…”

“All this time, I’ve been supported by my friends. Spike, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, even Applejack and Starlight Glimmer to a certain extent. My power isn’t just mine alone. It’s all of ours! And it can stand up to anything-” Tom said proudly before being interrupted.

“...alright, alright, we’ll try things your way.” Luster groaned. “Just spare me the future speeches.”

“Me too. Especially since while you’re blathering, we could be using that time to, I don’t know, SAVE LYRA!” Geiz growled.

“Wait, they still have her!?” Luster asked, concerned. “Jeez, Zi-O, get your crap together!”

“And who was the one who kicked the crap out of me so I couldn’t?” Tom sighed. “Look, we need to go save her, and I think we could use your help. Can you put aside your differences with us so we can?”

Luster considered it. “I suppose it is kind of my responsibility to help those in need. Fine, I’ll help you rescue Geiz’s waifu.”

Geiz twitched under his mask.

“Let’s go. The sooner we get Lyra back, the sooner we can get the hell out of here.”

—-----

“My name is Otoya Kurenai.” The human introduced himself to Twilight and Bon Bon. “I used to be the king of this world, until the Gehenna drove me out.”

“Gehenna?” Twilight asked, not familiar with the name.

“The organization that now controls this world. They gained power from an unknown world and used it to conquer this one.” Otoya explained. “I know that the power they gained was from a world with those ‘pony’ creatures in it, however.”

Bon Bon looked at Twilight. “Hey, do you think…?”

Twilight nodded. “This Gehenna organization are the ones behind the Another Riders we’ve been fighting.”

“Most likely…” Otoya mumbled. “But why are you here?”

“Our friend was taken from our world and we’re here to rescue her.” Twilight explained.

“Then you mean to break into their base?” Otoya asked. “If that’s the case…I’ll help you get in.”

“Alright, thank you!” Twilight said before Bon Bon stopped her.

“Wait a minute- why should we trust you, exactly?” Bon Bon asked with suspicion.
“Because I have a bone to pick with those guys anyway. I can’t do anything to them, but maybe you can.” Otoya explained.

“...I guess we don’t have many other options. Alright, I’m in.” Bon Bon said, sighing in resignation.

“Excellent.” The human took out a pair of strange looking costumes. “You can use these as disguises.”

Twilight looked over the costume. It looked like a black military uniform with a helmet not unlike a Kamen Rider’s.

“Gehenna has a contingent of ZECTroopers in their base, but if you’re dressed up like one, they shouldn’t notice…um, except you’re gonna have to find a way to hide your wings.” Otoya pointed out.

“Oh, that’s no problem. Twilight’s horn lit up and her wings suddenly became transparent.

“...you just have an answer for everything, huh?” Bon Bon commented. Twilight just grinned.

“Well, whatever. I’ll show you the way.” Otoya said, beckoning the girls to follow.

—----

“AARRRGH!” Lyra screamed in pain. She was strapped to a table, and dark energy was lashing out from her, before it calmed down and left her panting in agony.

“Tsk tsk, you’re still trying to fight back…” Ouja-Discord just shook his head. “You aren’t getting out of this one, minty. You’re MINE.” He cupped her chin in his claw. Lyra scowled at the evil dragonequus.

“Now, what else can I do with you…?” He pondered before Lyra spit in his eye.

“Ugh! Gross!” Ouja-Discord raged. “You’re lucky we still need you as bait, otherwise you’d be snake food!”

Just then, Ouja-Discord’s head started rattling and making a ringing noise. “Ah, excuse me, I have to take this.” He reached into his ear and pulled out a corded phone receiver, the cord still extending from his ear.

“Yes?” Lyra couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she tried.

“Uh huh…really? Sounds fun, I’ll be right over.” Ouja-Discord said, before stretching the phone out and letting it bounce back into his ear.

“Well, looks like they took the bait, little lady. I hope you’re ready, we need to get you dressed up for your date…you’d probably look stunning in black.” Ouja-Discord grinned. Lyra gulped.

Ouja-Discord produced a small bell and rang it. “Oh, dear slave, would you be a doll and come assist me?”

A pony walked into the room. Lyra recognized her- she looked nearly exactly like Fluttershy…but parts of her coat and mane were grayed out, and she noticed several bruises and bandages on her body. But the worst was her eyes- they looked completely devoid of any hope or light- like her will had been completely obliterated.

“Now, let’s begin with the operation.” He said, snapping his fingers as a doctor’s outfit appeared over himself, and a nurse outfit over the Fluttershy lookalike.

“Then…all the zapping…?” Lyra asked, still in pain.

“Oh, that was just for funsies. The real fun part begins now!” Ouja-Discord said, a sadistic grin being visible even under the surgical mask.

—-----

Twilight and Bon Bon, still in disguise, followed Otoya into the large building.

“HALT. SHOW ID.” A pair of soldiers stopped the group from entering, but Otoya pulled out a card and showed it to them.

“...UNDERSTOOD, MOVE ALONG.” The trio kept going until they were out of sight, and then ducked into a corridor with an elevator.

“Alright, it’s safe for you two to ditch the costumes now.” Otoya explained. “This elevator should lead to the prison blocks.”

“Thanks!” Twilight said gratefully. But Bon Bon wasn’t convinced.

“How do you know how this place is laid out?” Bon Bon asked, but was unable to get an answer as the elevator arrived.

“W-well, I was the one who used to rule this world, this used to be my place.” Otoya stammered. Bon Bon raised an eyebrow.

Otoya pressed a button, and the floor underneath them started lifting up. A few moments later, the three found themselves in the middle of a large space, surrounded by rows of seats.

“Wait, this isn’t-” Twilight said, but was cut off.

“Mr. President!” Otoya called out to the highest point. As Twilight looked up, she was alarmed at who she saw sitting there.

“That’s…Nightmare Moon!” She recognized the dark blue alicorn.

“But when did she have a kid?” Bon Bon noticed Cozy Glow sitting next to her. Just then, a bigger seat appeared. On it was a strange cloaked figure wearing a jester’s mask.

“...beloved, was the clown mask truly necessary?” Nightmare Moon muttered to the cloaked figure. “I don’t think Cozy likes it very much.”

Cozy squirmed in her seat. She knew it was her daddy under the mask, but it was still really creepy.

The cloaked figure cleared his throat. “State your business.”

“I have here two of the ponies, one being another alicorn! I would like to offer them in tribute!” Otoya declared.

“Wait, WHAT!?” Twilight yelped.

“Y-you! You tricked us!” Bon Bon growled.

“Sorry ladies…not sorry.” Otoya smirked. “Now then-” The cloaked figure held out a hand and a group of ZECTroopers surrounded them all.

“What do you think you’re doing!?” Otoya yelped.

“Did you REALLY think I forgot about you? I knew you’d try and do something to get into my inner circle. But I don’t need you anymore- begone!”

Another door opened, and Cronus-Sombra stepped out, fully transformed.

“Be grateful that the president even considered listening.” He said flatly as he pressed the buttons on his driver.

“FINISHER!” The belt announced. “CRITICAL CREWS-AID!”

“I’m afraid you’ve been discontinued.” He delivered a roundhouse kick to Otoya, his body exploding from the inside out. Nothing was left of him. Cronus-Sombra simply bowed as an elevator activated underneath him, and took him out of the arena.

Twilight and Bon Bon looked on in horror. “Now then, Princess Sparkle…” The cloaked man said.

“You’re…Gehenna’s leader, aren’t you?” Bon Bon inquired.

“As you say, I am indeed the president of Gehenna.”

“So you’re the one who’s been making ponies into monsters!” Twilight said, pointing at him. “Why are you doing this!?”

“And why should I tell you that? In a moment, you’ll be dead.” The cloaked man snapped his fingers as hordes of monsters rushed into the stands.

“My dear citizens!” The cloaked man called out. “Today we have a very special main event for you! See our newest champion lay waste to this pathetic purple pony princess!”

Another hatch opened, and a group of ZECTroopers led a familiar looking pony out in chains. Bon Bon immediately recognized her.

“Lyra!” Bon Bon called out, but Lyra did not respond. The ZECTroopers released her from the chains and then vacated the arena. Bon Bon rushed over to her marefriend.

“You’re okay…come on, let’s get out of here!” She said, but Lyra did not respond.

“...Lyra?” Bon Bon asked.

“B…Bonny….please…stay back…stay away…from me…AAAAAGH!” Streaks of dark energy surrounded Lyra as she transformed back into Another Faiz!

“Lyra, no!” Bon Bon screamed, Twilight pulling her back with magic. Another Faiz roared as it began stalking slowly towards the two…

Only for the ceiling to blast open, and Zi-O, Geiz and G-Den-O all jumped down.

“Twilight!” Zi-O yelled. “Are you two alright?”

“We’re fine, but Lyra’s turned back into that monster again!” She pointed to Another Faiz.

The masked man looked on in curiosity. “So this is him…the Rider who’s been standing in my way. Ugh…just seeing that clock face of his makes me sick.”

Zi-O and Geiz produced their weapons and both rushed Another Faiz, but from out of nowhere they heard a distorted voice. “StaRT Up.” And Another Faiz disappeared!

“Wait, that’s Axel form!” Geiz said as the monster appeared behind him, about to deliver an attack before he rolled out of the way.

“Faiz Accel, huh…being able to speed up for about 10 seconds a time.” Zi-O said. “Of course I don’t have Kabuto on me today either.”

“Well that’s just magical, isn’t it!?” Geiz growled.

“Magical…wait, that’s it!” Zi-O pulled out one of the watches he had reclaimed from G-Den-O.

“Let’s make some magic happen!” Zi-O turned the dial on the watch and pressed the button.

“WIZARD!” It announced. Zi-O inserted the watch into his Driver and spun it around.

“ARMOR TIME! PLEASE! WIZAAARD~!” The belt sang as Zi-O’s armor was enveloped by a red magic circle, the circle sweeping over his body as his armor changed to resemble Kamen Rider Wizard’s iconic look.

“If it’s magic, don’t forget about me!” Twilight flew over and joined her armored boyfriend. Zi-O said nothing, but briefly grasped Twilight’s hand, before they stood back to back.

Zi-O pressed the button on the WizardWatch. “CONNECT TIME!” The Edge of Time appeared, but had taken on a different shape, resembling Wizard’s own weapon instead.

The masked man just scoffed, and pressed a button on his throne. A squad of ZECTroopers entered the arena, holding guns up to the Riders and their pony friends.

“Geiz! We’ll take care of these guys, you go get Lyra!” Zi-O yelled, Geiz nodding before rushing towards Another Faiz, ax in hand.

“STarT uP.” The garbled voice came from Another Faiz as the monster blinked from existence.

“Huh? I thought the cooldown was longer.” Geiz said.

“Ah, that’d be me!” A voice came from the balcony, Ouja-Discord was floating around with a soda drink hat and waving a flag. “I made a few tweaks to that whole thing.”

“Argh, you!” Geiz growled, but was smacked down by something he couldn’t see.

“Geiz!” Bon Bon ran over to the downed Rider.
“What the hell are you doing…?” Geiz wheezed. “You’re gonna get your ass killed! Get away!”

“No! I’m going to help you save Lyra!” She grabbed the FaizPhone X watch off of Geiz’s watch holders.

“This thing’s some sort of weapon, right? How do you use it?” She asked, but a roar from Another Faiz cut her off. The monster rushed Geiz as he blocked it with his axe, and tried to hold it back.

“RRRGH…bend the screen to the left!”

“Huh?”

“The silver part! Bend it to the left, then point the black part at the target and pull the trigger to fire it!” Geiz barked.

Bon Bon followed his instructions. “BLASTER MODE.” The device said as the screen was tilted. Bon Bon grasped the handle in both hands.

“Now you let go of my LYRA!” Bon Bon pulled the trigger and was pushed onto the ground by the knockback.

The attack was successful, striking Another Faiz in the shoulder.

“Yes!” Bon Bon pumped her fist in victory.

“Hey, what are you doing!? Monster’s still here!” Geiz scolded Bon Bon as he was still struggling against the fiend.

“Ah! Sorry!” Bon Bon apologized quickly as she tried to aim another shot only for Another Faiz to activate its speed again.

The monster kept zipping around and hitting both Geiz and Bon Bon, sending them sprawling on the ground.

“Maybe I can stop them with Knight…?” Geiz pondered.

“NOPE!” Ouja-Discord suddenly popped in and snatched the watch.

“What!?” Geiz panicked slightly.

“Not happening, red- you’re just gonna have to take your lumps…” Ouja-Discord taunted as he vanished back towards the balcony…only for a shot to ring out and hit Ouja-Discord in the hand!

“YEOW!” The evil Rider winced, dropping the KnightWatch.

“Geiz! Now!” Bon Bon yelled, Geiz nodding and diving for the watch. He quickly activated it and inserted it into his belt, then spun the belt.

“ARMOR TIME!” The belt announced. “Advent! KNIIIGHT~!”

Geiz’s armor transformed, it now resembled the bat-like Kamen Rider Knight. He clicked the button on the KnightWatch two times.

“ADVENT TIME!” A portal opened up, and a large, bat-like monster came flying out.

“Darkwing, help me slow her down!” Geiz commanded, as he pointed to Another Faiz.

Another Faiz was about to start zooming around again, but before it could, Darkwing wrapped itself around the monster’s head! It couldn’t see a thing! The beast thrashed around, attempting to shake off the summoned monster, but Darkwing held on with every last bit of strength it could!

“FINISH TIME! KNIGHT!” Geiz’s weapon cried out as he had loaded the KnightWatch. “KNIGHT! DEADLINE CHOP!”

Geiz leapt high into the air, and just as Darkwing released its grip, he brought his axe down, splitting the monster in half! The monster roared as it exploded, leaving Lyra on the ground, unconscious but unharmed, the FaizWatch falling on the ground besides her.

“LYRA!” Bon Bon ran over to her, shaking the mint-colored mare tightly. “Lyra, speak to me!”

“Ugh…morning, Bonny…” She wheezed. “I feel like I just got shoved off a cliff…”

“Oh, Lyra, you’re okay!” Bon Bon hugged Lyra tightly.

“Alright, you two- you can do that later! We’re still not out of the danger zone yet!” Geiz quickly picked up the watch and stored it away before he helped Lyra up to her hooves.

Twilight continued rapidly firing spell after spell at the hordes of ZECTRoopers, while Tom went on the defensive, creating earthen walls around them.

“Look! Lyra’s back to normal!” Twilight said.

“Good, then we can finish this!” Zi-O pressed the button on the WizardWatch a few times.

“FINISH TIME! WIZARD!” Zi-O leapt up into the air.
“Twilight, get back!” Zi-O yelled, as the princess dived out of the way.

“STRIKE TIME BREAK!” The belt announced as a portal appeared in front of Zi-O’s leg, and when Zi-O extended the leg for a kick, a gigantic version of Zi-O’s foot came forth and smashed all the remaining enemies beneath it, before the Rider came back down for a landing.

“How’s that for magic?” Zi-O said teasingly.

“Not bad, Riders- but we’re not beaten yet!” The masked man pressed another button and groups of Riotroopers, Kurokage Troopers and Ride Players appeared.

“Great…more pests.” Zi-O groaned. “Guess it’s time to break out the big guns.”

He pulled out the DecadeWatch and changed the WizardWatch out for it.

“RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDE: WOW! DECAAADE!” The belt sang.

“D-Decade…” The masked man’s fists clenched, his teeth grinding.

“Beloved?” Nightmare Moon looked at the masked man with concern.

“Daddy?” Cozy was confused, she had never seen her daddy do this before.

“Decade…” The masked man growled, his body twitching with rage. “DAMN YOU DECAAAAAAADE!” He then yelled, his voice filled with pure fury. “ALL PERSONNEL! KILL HIM! I DON’T CARE HOW!”

All the troopers in the arena immediately fixed their aim on Zi-O, who quickly readied another watch and put it into the extra slot on the DecadeWatch.

“FINAL FORM TIME! F-F-F-FOURZE!” The armor transformed again, into one resembling Fourze, but with twin guns mounted on its shoulders, the monitor serving as the armor’s face switching to a new image.

“Alright, blast off!” A burst of smoke shot out from Zi-O’s back and propelled him into the air. As he hovered, the guns repositioned their aim down towards the floor.

“Twilight! Shield yourself!” Zi-O yelled out, and when he saw that his magical girlfriend had indeed put up a barrier, he opened fire on the enemies below. The various soldiers either were struck by the bullets and exploded, or they retreated back into the various doors.

“ARRRGH!” The masked man leapt from his chair. “OUJA! IDUNN! CRONUS!” He commanded.

“It’s my turn to have some fun!” Ouja-Discord leapt down, Idunn-Chrysalis and Cronus-Sombra following.

Zi-O landed, but the DecadeArmor disappeared - his stamina was drained from all the fighting, and he staggered near Twilight, who was also growing exhausted.

Geiz and Bon Bon weren’t doing much better, Bon Bon having lifted Lyra over her shoulder.

“Crap…” Geiz grunted. “Any more bright ideas, kingy?”

“Only one…we fight our way out!” Zi-O stood with his weapon at the ready, as the three evil Riders rushed in!

But before any attacks happened, a strange white cloth appeared and swirled around the heroes, warping them away!

“What!?” The villains all cried out in confusion.

“Urgh…” The masked man settled down, now that the Kamen Riders were no longer in sight. “I am so sorry, dearest, and Cozy…I lost my composure…”

Nightmare Moon and Cozy simply hugged him.

“It’s okay, Daddy! You told us that Decade was a bad man!” Cozy said.

“Yes…I did.” The masked man said.

—--------

The group found themselves next to Geiz’s Time Mazine, joined by a Rider they had never seen before.

“Do not worry, fellow Riders.” The new Rider said. “It is not written that you shall die here.”

“Who…?” Zi-O was about to ask, but the mysterious Rider merely held up his hand.

“I am certain you have many questions, but I regretfully must decline. But be assured, I am your ally.” The mysterious Rider explained.

“It is too dangerous for you to remain here, so I advise you to retreat back to your own world. And with that, I must bid you farewell for now.” The Rider swept his hand out and the white cloth wrapped around him as he disappeared.

“...I think he’s right. We got Lyra back, so let’s go.” Zi-O said.

“...as much as I hate to say it, he’s right. We’re not equipped to handle this place now.” G-Den-O explained. G-Den-O merely held out her Rider Pass, as her time train appeared in front of them on a set of glowing tracks.

“You’re responsible for what happens with those powers now, Zi-O. Don’t let me down.” The time police Rider said, Zi-O merely nodded. As the time train took off, the rest crawled back into the Time Mazine.

“There you all are!” In there, was Discord, looking like he had been stuck in there for some time. “And…yeesh, you look like you’ve been through a woodchipper!”

“I didn’t see you providing any help!” Bon Bon complained.

“Yeah, where were you?” Twilight asked.

“Ugh…that counterfeit’s powers kept me from getting close. You can bet when I get a chance he’s gonna hear from my attorney!”

“Let’s just go. We did what we came to do.” Geiz said, as he sat down and powered up the vehicle, as it floated in the air and flew through a time portal.

—-----

The next day, after the group had recovered, they all met at a local burger place to check in on each other.

“Hey, Lyra!” Tom waved. “You’re looking better!”

“Yeah…sorry about that. But I’m sure glad you and Twilight came with Tony and Bon Bon to save me!” She said happily.

“And I’m still feeling that fight. Oof.” Anton rubbed his back.

“Oh, quit being such a baby.” Bon Bon rolled her eyes.

“By the way, Princess Twilight…I wanted to ask, why are we meeting here?” Lyra asked.

“Well, there’s another loose end I wanted to make sure was resolved…” She explained as the waitress marched up to their table and plopped their food down unceremoniously. To their surprise, it was Spoiled Rich!

“Here’s your food. Choke on it.” She snarled.

“Now, now…don’t forget that your husband and daughter asked us to go easy on you.” Twilight explained.

“Rrrgh…” Spoiled Rich just growled before her manager tapped her shoulder.

“Mrs. Rich, what did we talk about?” The manager pony said tapping his hoof on the ground.

“...good customer service starts with a smile…” she grumbled.

“Good, now I think you’ve got some bathrooms to clean.” The manager rolled up a wheeled bucket with a mop in it, and handed it off to Spoiled, as the disgruntled ex-socialite just walked into the bathrooms with it.

“You know, I was skeptical of you asking us to have Spoiled Rich do her community service here, but it hasn’t been as bad as I thought.” The manager explained. “Why, she’s only been here a week and she already looks dead inside like the rest of us.”

“That is what minimum wage does to a pony…but it was either this or the dungeons, and both Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara begged for this.” Twilight added.

“Right…well, I suppose I’ll let you get back to your meal. Enjoy!” The manager said with forced enthusiasm.

“Poor guy…he has to put up with her for a whole year?” Tom said empathetically.

“Well, maybe working for a living will teach her some humility- after all, she’s not allowed to use any of the Rich family’s money right now.” Bon Bon noted.

“Either way…this last fight made me think…I really need to get stronger.” Tom said. “Even with the DecadeWatch, we would have been dead if it weren’t for that weird Rider.”

“Who was that guy, anyway?” Anton asked. “Never seen him before.”

Tom just shrugged. “Maybe Gramps would know? I’ll ask him next time I see him.”

“And when, pray tell, might that be?” Anton groaned. “Asshole wanders all over the damn multiverse, he could be anywhere!”

Just then, they saw Tsukasa wander out of the stallion’s restroom.

“Ugh…this dimension needs to invent the bidet, and fast.” Tsukasa complained.

“Gramps?” Tom asked.

“Oh, hey kiddo, was just coming to see you.” Tsukasa explained as he walked over, and pulled out his flask again, to the ire of the manager.

“Sir, I’m afraid alcohol is not permitted in this establishment-”

“Better kids’ meal toys than you have tried and failed to take it from me.” Tsukasa groaned, but put the flask away. The manager rolled his eyes and walked away, grumbling about how he was not making enough to deal with it.

“So, you charged into the enemy base to save the mint horse, and almost got mulched.” The wandering Rider summarized. Lyra stuck her tongue out at Tsukasa.

“Insults to my marefriend aside, that’s about it.” Bon Bon said. “Seriously though, lay off her.”

Tsukasa waved his hand. “Anyway, sounds like you kids need some special training.”

“Special training? What did you have in mind exactly?” Tom asked.

“Oh, don’t you worry, kiddo- just leave it to me.” Tsukasa said, as he wandered out the door.

“...why do I feel like I should be VERY worried now?” Twilight asked.

“Because it’s Decade. Even I know what sorts of crap he can start.” Anton said. Tom was about to object but Anton stopped him. “Search your feelings, you know it to be true.”

Tom just grunted but relented. “Food’s getting cold.”

The group decided to table the subject and eat.

—--------

In another time and space, Tsukasa appeared out of an Aurora Curtain, in front of a small photo studio.

“Home sweet home.” Tsukasa said as he walked in. He could smell something cooking, and sighed.

“Oi, Kaito! Didn’t I tell you to let me know before you broke in?” Tsukasa said, annoyed.

“Well hello to you too, Tsukasa.” Kaito said, walking out with a pink apron around his waist.

“Listen, I appreciate that you’re coming by to keep an eye on the place and all, but you don’t have to wait up for me.” Tsukasa explained.

“Oh? I thought you’d like a nice hot meal when you got back. Or is it that I shouldn’t be wearing anything but this apron~?” Kaito teased.

“Keep it in your pants, man- I told you I’m not into you like that.” The passing-through Rider sighed.

“Oh, you’re no fun.” Kaito said. He put a bowl of hot udon in front of his friend.

“Enjoy while it’s still hot.” Kaito said cheerfully.

“Thanks…” Tsukasa said as he started slurping the noodles. “Hey, do you know if that AR world with the bacon-head girl is still around?”

“...why would you ask me about a girl?” Kaito said, shrugging.

“You know what I mean.” Tsukasa replied.

“Well, if you’re talking about THAT Rider universe, pretty sure it’s still around.” Kaito said. “And I do hope you don’t forget to pick up a nice treasure or two for little old me- it’s the least you could do for me after I’ve kept this place straightened up for you.”

“That’s probably the only straight thing you’ve done in ages, man.” Tsukasa snarked. “But I’ll see if I can find something nice and shiny.”

“Tsukasa, listen…I know you’re probably still upset about Natsumi but-” Kaito started but Tsukasa stopped him.

“I’m not ready. I’m REALLY not.” Tsukasa said as he pulled his flask out.

“...you’ve been drinking again.” Kaito said, disappointed.

“After the day I’ve had, I need it.” The magenta Rider said as he took a swig of the booze.

“Tsukasa, please…at least try to cut back.” Kaito said.

“What, are you worried about me now?” Tsukasa said, snarling slightly.

“...I know you, Tsukasa. You may be a big dick, but as far as I’m concerned you’re OUR big dick. Mine, Yusuke’s, and hers.”

“If she’s even still out there…” Tsukasa sighed. He gazed out the window.

“Natsumi…I pray you’re still out there somewhere. Please be alive…”

Author's Note

Sorry it's been so long- Chapter 14 is up.

News as well- RIDER TIME is doing a crossover with Kamen Rider Unicorn! Look forward to it!