A Rider's Duty

[Dai-Shocker. 29:21-29:23]

The castle sat in the city under the cover of night.

[End Decade footage]

Will looked ahead, remaining silent. "It's almost time," he said softly.

"But it's not, not yet," James said, walking up behind him. He stood at Will's side, "I want this as badly as you do, but attacking at night isn't a good idea."

"Why? It's dark, we can surprise them," Will said.

"Think about it though," James said, "Higher alert. They're expecting it. Besides, some rest will do us some good. We want the night as well. We want to sleep and replenish our strength."

Will sighed, "We're so close, James. We're close to finally putting an end to all this."

"It can wait another handful of hours," James told him.

"It's hard."

"I know," James said, "I want nothing more than to do this right now, but we can't. It's just not practical."

"I know…," Will muttered.

James clasped him on the back, "Let's go back and see the others. We'll make our move soon enough."

Will nodded and followed him back towards town.

Will sat down and sighed, rubbing his head with one hand. Mina moved and sat beside him, "Is everything ok?" she asked.

"I just want this over with. We're so close, Mina."

"Morning isn't too far away," she said.

"I don't trust things to remain the same until morning," Will said, "For all we know, we just lost our only shot, and we'll face an army at dawn."

"We should take that risk then," she said, "James explained it to me before he went to find you. It makes sense that they'd be on alert. They know you, and you're kind of impulsive at times. They might be waiting for something like that."

"And assuming they were, then they'll just wait until morning when they figure we'll attack. And if not in the morning, the next day, and the next, and so on. I doubt security will ever become less."

"I get where you're coming from, but we have to have hope," Mina said.

"We always try to have hope," Will said, "But…but it has gotten us this far. We've come a long way."

She nodded, "We really have."

James sat away from them, with Rebecca.

"I'm surprised your brother still isn't here," James said.

"I already explained why he wasn't," she said.

"Yes, but surely he knows that we're going to be launching our final attack tomorrow," James said, "I'd have figured he'd want to be here."

She shook her head, "He helped in the first attempt. The one that was…stopped when Will was possessed. They couldn't let the Wilds run free for too long, so that was all he could do for us."

James nodded, "If only we had that full army," he muttered.

She nodded back, "It would be a huge help."

"Some of the Riders who were there were Riders we know sided with the Dynasty," James said, "I was wondering about that earlier."

She shrugged, "I don't know anything about that."

"Maybe they were in it for the entertainment, to see if they could take down Will. Revenge, maybe." He shrugged, "Oh well, it's not important."

"When this is over, I'm going back home," she said, "It's the only place I can be. It's my duty to stop the Wilds, and Crystal Reserve is the only place they exist."

He nodded, "I'm not going to try to keep you from doing your duty."

"But what about us?" she asked.

"Well, you weren't asking this question before, when we left the Reserve the first time," James told her.

"We hadn't had as much time together then," Rebecca told him, "Things changed."

"Well, Ever Village will need help. I need to go back to my family for at least some time. I should also finish at Golden Grove…" He looked at her and smiled, "But I'll always come back to see you."

She smiled, "How much longer do you have in college anyway?" she joked.

He laughed, "You're not going to like that answer."

Will sighed as he turned back to Mina, "At least he's happy," Will muttered.

"You thought all of us would be miserable, like you?" Ian asked as he sat down by them, "We all want to get this over with, not just you. But we're using this time to focus. To get ready. I recommend you get ready as well."

"How?" Will asked.

"Focus. Meditate. Sleep. I recommend sleep for you," Ian said, "You went through a lot, being controlled."

Will sighed and nodded. He stood up, "Yeah, yeah…I guess I'll go do that."

Ian smiled, "Go do that then. Be ready. Tomorrow, you lead us."

Will nodded and left Ian and Mina alone.

"Sometimes I wonder if you're not meant to be our leader," Mina told him.

"Just because I project a wise aura?" Ian asked.

"Because you are wise," she told him.

He shrugged, "There's a difference between being wise and being leader material. I'm not of the same material that Will is."

"And why is Will of that material?" she asked.

"He's gone through a lot. He's traveled. He's had time to learn from all of us. I could lead, but I have only one lesson. Everyone has their own. Will? He had his own path already, and he simply learned from all of us and our paths. He's a little bit of all of us."

"He can understand you guys," she said, "But that still doesn't equate to leadership material."

"You're his friend," Ian said, "Why are you being so critical of him now?"

She remained silent for a few moments, "Maybe I don't want to see him as the leader. In a battle, you target the leader."

"You'd rather see him as just another soldier, and make someone else the target," Ian said.

"It sounds horrible when you put it that way," Mina said.

"But it's the truth," Ian said, "I can't blame you. I worry for him, but then again, I worry for all of us. I don't envy whoever has to put this massive weight on their shoulders." He rose and put his hand on Mina's shoulder, "Get some sleep," Ian said, walking away from her.

Mina watched him go, and then she lowered her head.

Will walked out of the warehouse as soon as it was daylight. He looked around, "It's time," he said.

Will looked up, seeing something moving through the sky.

Mina ran outside, "Will! Come see this!" she shouted, running back in. He ran after her, looking at a television screen. Everyone was watching.

[Dai-Shocker. 34:44-35:01]

Missiles flew through the air, striking a city. People ran, screaming. Buildings were being destroyed.

[End Decade footage]

"Those…those are missiles?" Will muttered, "I saw some flying through the sky a minute ago…"

"They're forcing us," James said. He looked around, "We have to move."

"Then let's get going," Ian said.

"Do we just march on the castle?" Rob asked.

Everyone began to look to Will. He shook his head, "No…we're going to split up. We'll come at it from different angles."

The Riders began to nod. Will moved to start to talk to them, while Mina grabbed James by the arm and pulled him aside.

"When Apollo first appeared, he came to our college," she told James, "I don't know why. I feel like there's something there."

"So, you want us to go and investigate that?" he asked.

Mina nodded, "If you wouldn't mind."

James nodded, "Rebecca, we're going with Mina."

The other woman nodded and Mina led them out.

The three of them walked through the abandoned college. James and Rebecca wore their belts, while Mina had her hand out.

"I don't sense anything wrong," she said.

"Then maybe he just went to the first place he could with people?" Rebecca asked, "Maybe there was no reason Apollo came here first. How do you even know this was his first stop? It's just where you first saw him."

"She has a point," James said.

Mina sighed, "I guess you're right."

There was a crashing sound. They all turned around, "That way," Rebecca said.

The three moved and walked into a classroom. There they saw two Riders standing around, arguing.

"I think we should just attack. We know where the Riders are hiding!" the green Rider said.

The purple Rider shook his head, "No…we wait on our orders…"

They both turned to see the three newcomers. The green Rider laughed, "Alright! A fight!"

"I recognize that one," Mina said, "He fought Will and Ian. I think his name was Striker."

"And I'm Strike," the purple one said, "Don't worry about the similarities, it doesn't matter."

"These two are Dynasty then, right?" Rebecca questioned, "Just want to make sure we're not about to fight our allies."

"They should be," Mina said, "Striker and his partner went through a Dynasty portal."

"Then let's take them down," Rebecca told James.

He shook his head, "No, trust me," he said, "Power Ride!"

[Dai-Shocker. 41:51-42:00]

His suit formed and he held up three cards, "We'll do this." He loaded them one by one and fired.

[Dai-Shocker. 42:03-42:08]

"Power Summon! Sting!"

"Thrust!"

"Boxer!"

The three Riders ran forward as their names were announced, clashing with the Riders. James and the others made their escape in the back of the room. The Riders clashed.

[Dai-Shocker. 42:09-42:12 (note: try to edit out the brief glimpse of Natsumi. If not possible, then dress Rebecca or Mina in similar clothes)]

As they continued to fight, James turned the corner and left.

[End Decade footage]

"Why aren't we staying to fight?" Rebecca questioned.

"Did you see the whiteboard?" James asked, "There were plans on it. Those two were supposed to lead an army to flank us as soon as we left to attack the castle. There's an enemy force around here somewhere, and that's our top priority."

Mina threw her hand out, "I'm on it."

Rebecca looked at James, "Let's just hope we're not too late to stop them then."

Will walked through the forest, "Maybe splitting up wasn't the best idea…," he muttered as he turned around a tree. Then he slowed, "Ok, maybe it was… I see you guys move fast!" He lifted a card, "Power Ride!" He swiped it and ran forward.

[Dai-Shocker. 43:42-44:37]

He leapt forward and rushed at a man in gold armor, a number of monsters, and some human-like soldiers. He slashed them back as they came at him, engaging with the gold warrior. Primarily. The two struggled with each other.

"I'll destroy you!" he shouted, throwing Will back.

Will kicked him and got a few slashes in, "You're no match!" he shouted, relieving the man of his sword and giving him a few slashes.

James hurried in from the side, "I see you found our army!" he shouted as his Gate Blast rang out.

Monsters tried to get in the way, but the blast destroyed them and struck the golden warrior. He cried out as he fell, exploding.

James lowered his weapon.

[End Decade footage]

"I missed it," Rebecca said, slowing down as she and Mina arrived.

"My suit's speed is way too high," James told them as he and Will returned to normal.

"What are you guys doing here?" Will questioned.

"Well, Mina took us to your college. Met some enemy Riders, they were planning to lead an attack."

"The college is only a bit that way," Will said, pointing to the side.

James nodded, "And this was probably the force they had waiting."

"It wasn't much of an army," Will said.

"So, do you think they have more men out there yet?" Rebecca asked.

"I guess we'll find out soon enough," James said.

"Let's move on ahead," Will said, hurrying forward. The others fell in behind him.

The two enemy Riders emerged soon after, "So, they fell for that," Striker said.

The purple Rider nodded, "And now, off they go, leaving their backs open for the two of us."

The two Riders ran after them, only to be attacked by some blasts. They stopped and looked to the side, seeing a few Riders running in.

Power Rider Diamond, Club, Spade, Whip, Hunter and Slash stood there, weapons ready.

"We're making the rounds, making sure nothing slips by," Diamond said, walking forward, "Guess what? You two have to fight us now."

The two Riders laughed and ran forward to engage the other Riders.

As Will's group continued, they slowed. "I feel something," Mina said.

Power Rider Chi leapt out, firing on them. The group scattered, taking cover behind trees. "Come out!" he shouted, opening fire.

"I'll handle him," Rebecca said, "You guys keep going."

"We're not leaving you alone," James said.

"Will, you're basically the leader. James…you have to keep him out of trouble."

James nodded with a small laugh, "Yeah, pretty much."

"Hey!" Will snapped. He sighed.

"Go," she said, "Power Ride!" Wind erupted around her and she stepped out, returning fire at the Dynasty Rider. The other three made their escape while she fired.

"I'm staying too!" Mina shouted, throwing her hand out to take out Chi's leg, letting Rebecca's shots hit him, "We'll catch up!"

"Mina! You're not a Rider! It's too dangerous!" Will shouted.

"Just go!" she snapped.

James grabbed Will's arm and dragged him along.

The two kept running until they reached a barren location, "Where are the others?" Will shouted as they walked onward, belts on their waists.

"Maybe they got held up," James said, "I mean, we did…"

"Good point," Will said. The two walked forward, and the ground exploded in front of them. The two lifted their arms to cover their faces. They lowered their arms slowly.

[Dai-Shocker. 45:47-45:48]

An army of monsters stood there.

[End Decade footage]

"I guess this is probably the bulk of their army," Will said, "Discounting whatever they were throwing at us and the others."

James nodded, "Well. Two of us against this entire army…what do you think? Stronger or weaker than the Megavore?"

"Some of those are pretty strong," Will said, "But ultimately…ultimately we can take them!" He and James both drew up their cards.

"Power Ride!"

Both of them transformed side by side.

[Dai-Shocker. 45:53-46:25]

"It's time to be destroyed!" one reptile monster shouted, "Everyone ready?" There was a collective roar.

The two Riders stood there, "Ready James?" Will asked.

"Always."

Both shouted and ran forward. The reptile shouted, sending the army forward.

The two Riders ran into the army and started to fight through them, taking hits along the way, but doing everything they could to cover each other.

The reptile and a squid monster lashed out together, throwing the two Riders back with a shout.

[Dai-Shocker. 46:28-46:37]

The army advanced on the two downed Riders.

A wall appeared behind the two.

"What?" the reptile shouted.

"A portal?" Will questioned.

[End Decade footage]

The various Rider allies ran out of the portal, coming to a stop by the two downed Riders.

"We kind of hijacked a portal over here," Ian said, "Bet we gave you guys a heart attack, didn't we?"

"Facing an army on one end, and then an army behind us?" James asked, "Yeah. That would have given me one."

Ian helped both to their feet, "Well, we're here now."

"Then let's put an end to the Dynasty!" Will shouted.

There was a collective cry of battle from the Riders.

[Dai-Shocker. 47:06-47:09 (note: replace ZO with Kuuga, edit him over the top)]

Fang, Prince, Black and Legend walked forward.

[Dai-Shocker. 47:12-47:18]

Phi, Spade, Echo, Beet and Rail walked forward next to them. Next to Phi was Dragon Knight and Grand.

[Dai-Shocker. 47:31-47:33]

The monsters stood, "It doesn't matter your numbers!" the reptile screamed out.

[End Decade footage]

The Riders stood in a line, with Will and James at their center.

"Everyone!" Will shouted, "Today it ends! Let's go!"

The Riders shouted and ran forward.

[Dai-Shocker. 48:23-48:26]

The Riders ran forward, avoiding missile fire.

[Dai-Shocker. 48:32-48:33]

Fang leapt forward, kicking two monsters to destroy them.

[Dai-Shocker. 48:47-48:56]

Beet fought a few monsters.

Prince slashed at a few with his laser sword, shouting.

[Dai-Shocker. 49:02-49:14]

Rail shouted, slashing, "Here we come!" He kicked a soldier aside, "There are too many of you! But I'll take you all down!" He ran through them, slashing them aside, then some monsters.

[Dai-Shocker. 49:21-49:40]

Dragon Knight slashed through monsters with his sword, shouting.

Will used his sword.

Fang fought some on a cliff.

Phi fought them near rock outcroppings, just like Spade.

[Dai-Shocker. 49:56-50:04]

Grand fought on a rock outcropping.

[Dai-Shocker. 50:50-50:51]

A series of monsters rolled down the hill.

[Dai-Shocker. 50:12-50:23]

Echo fought some monsters, shouting as he slammed his sticks into them. He threw fireballs.

Black fought through a few with punches and kicks.

[Dai-Shocker. 51:02-51:04]

Beet and Prince fought the reptile monster, punching and using the sword. They pulled back on him while he shouted.

[Dai-Shocker. 51:13-51:17]

The monster was kicked back and flew back.

[Dai-Shocker. 51:19-51:21]

The monster rose, hissing.

[Dai-Shocker. 51:29-51:35]

There was an explosion. Beet and Prince were there.

[Dai-Shocker. 51:38-51:42 (note: add a flash on Diend's Final Form Ride shooting)]

"Do you think you can defeat me?" the squid monster questioned, surrounded by Riders.

The Riders slashed at him and shot him back. He was surrounded by other monsters while Ender, Legacy, Phi, Spade, Rail and Fang came together.

The Riders ran forward while Will slotted a card. Rail span around, becoming Pemon.

"Hey! Why'd you summon me? What was… Oh." He saw Will's cards.

James slotted something and fired. Spade became a sword, Phi became a giant blaster, and Fang became a giant bow.

"What?" Pemon shouted, taking the bow.

James took the sword. Will took the blaster.

"Alright! Let's destroy him!" Pemon shouted, drawing back on the bow.

James slashed, the other two fired, and the monsters were destroyed in an explosion.

[Dai-Shocker. 52:54-53:02]

The three stood there, opposite the explosion.

"That was easy," Pemon said.

The three tossed their weapons aside and they returned to Rider form.

[End Decade footage]

Ian continued to fight through various monsters that came to oppose him, beating them aside. He turned and ran, meeting up with Will, who slashed a monster aside.

"How do you think we're doing?" Will asked.

Ian shrugged, "I don't know. There's so many of them, I just don't know."

"You're about to lose!" the voice of Apollo cried out.

"Apollo?" Will shouted, and the two Riders looked up.

[Dai-Shocker. 55:27-55:30]

A silver, black and green armored figure stood on the ridge, "In a manner of speaking, I am," he answered.

[End Decade footage]

"What happened to you?" Will shouted.

"You know," he answered, "You tried to destroy me. I mined this material at Ever Village and crafted the ultimate armor; the Robo Rider. Now, be destroyed!"

[Dai-Shocker. 55:34-55:35]

Green lightning erupted from his hand, blasting the ground.

[End Decade footage]

The two Riders rolled across the ground.

[Dai-Shocker. 55:37-55:39]

Apollo landed, "You're both weak."

[End Decade footage]

Both Riders got up and moved to be side by side, "Let's give it everything!" Will shouted.

Ian nodded and began to glow, "Here's all of my power!"

[Dai-Shocker. 56:00-56:40]

"Is this what you meant to use on me?"

The golden armored Legend stood there, "Yes. It is."

Apollo drew up his crimson sword, "Let's end this."

The three ran into battle, with Ian leaping forward, but he was slashed aside. Both Riders were being overwhelmed by Apollo's sword and lightning.

He engaged with Will for a bit, but threw him back with a kick.

"He's too strong…," Will grunted.

[Dai-Shocker. 57:38-57:40]

Will rose as Ian spoke, "We have to be stronger." Ian rose.

[End Decade footage]

The two Riders ran forward. Ian led, throwing a series of rapid punches, forcing Apollo to use one arm to block, then use his sword for the other block. Ian grabbed the arm and the sword, "Now!"

Will leapt off of Ian's back, span around, and slashed Apollo in the back. Apollo tore himself free and punched Will back before turning and striking Ian with a few swift blows to the chest.

"It's cute that you think you can take me on!" Apollo screamed, swinging his sword for Ian, who caught it in both hands.

"No. You underestimate us. Our conviction. Our hearts!" Ian shouted.

Will ran forward and swung his sword down with a shout. Apollo released his sword and span around, catching the blade in his hands.

Ian took the chance and threw the red sword aside. He grabbed Apollo from behind and span around, throwing him. His foot began to glow gold and he kicked Apollo square in the chest.

"Take this! All of my power!" he shouted.

[Dai-Shocker. 58:22-58:28]

Apollo flew through the air, crashing into the castle with a shout.

[End Decade footage]

The Riders came together, "The army is defeated," Drake reported.

"Where's the enemy you two were fighting?" John questioned.

"Apollo. He came back with armor from the metal in your village, James," Will said, directing to Ender.

"Where is he now?" Tyler asked.

Will pointed, "Up there."

[Dai-Shocker. 58:55-58:58]

He remained imbedded in the castle, shouting.

[End Decade footage]

"Let's defeat him!" Will shouted, "Everyone!" They formed a line and leapt up in pairs.

[Dai-Shocker. 59:12-59:14]

Legend and Legacy leapt together, throwing kicks.

Prince and Dragon Knight came next, throwing kicks.

[End Decade footage]

Fang and Echo leapt together, throwing out kicks.

Then Grand and Rail.

Then Beet and Grand.

Then Phi and Black.

James leapt on his own.

[Dai-Shocker. 59:17-59:18 (note: blur out parts so that it's only about 10 Riders present)]

The Riders feet began to glow as they came through the air with their kicks.

[Dai-Shocker. 59:20-59:22]

Apollo cried out as he saw it coming.

[Dai-Shocker. 59:24-59:39 (note: add blur to hide the amount of Riders)]

The kicks connected, crashing into Apollo and the castle. He cried out.

"No! You haven't won yet!" he screamed as the castle collapsed.

[End Decade footage]

The Riders landed, "We did it," Rob said.

"Let's hope so," James responded.

They heard Apollo's voice screaming out.

"Is this guy still not destroyed?" Tyler shouted.

"We dropped a castle on him!" Jesse shouted, "We hit him with all of our kicks!"

The Robo Rider stood there, trembling in front of the rubble, "I…am not destroyed…yet! Now…now you will face my true form!" His armor began to shine and become blinding.

[Dai-Shocker. 59:48-59:50]

A giant, dark figure rose.

[Dai-Shocker. 59:59-1:00:09 (note: I can't make the exact time cuts. There are quick jumps to Showa Riders, but those would be cut. I just can't get the time down. In group shots, remove them)]

He rose tall, "Fear my power!" he roared, unleashing energy bolts at the Riders from his hands. The Riders were being knocked around.

[Dai-Shocker. 1:00:14-1:00:17 (note: crop to cut out ZO)]

Apollo walked forward, laughing. The Riders turned to look at his approach.

[Dai-Shocker. 1:00:46-1:00:56 (note: edit in a flash)]

Will rolled away as a loud crashing sound was heard, "Too close," Will muttered.

James ran up behind him, "I have a plan," he said, loading a card into his blaster.

"What is it?" Will asked.

James pointed his blaster at Will, "Turn around," James said, turning Will away. He fired, causing a large flash.

[Dai-Shocker. 1:01:07-1:01:26 (note: only use background, not foreground. Replace with footage of the available Riders)]

A giant version of Will's super mode appeared. The Riders gathered around and looked up at him.

"It won't work!" Apollo shouted as the two came to blows. Will smashed him back.

"I think it will!" he shouted, holding a card up. He leapt into the air.

"Giant Legacy Kick"

[Dai-Shocker. 1:01:32-1:01:34]

Giant cards appeared in front of Apollo, who let out a shout.

[Dai-Shocker. 1:01:37-1:01:52]

Will came crashing through the cards, shouting. He struck Apollo in the chest, causing him to explode.

The sun shone down.

[End Decade footage]

Will landed and looked at the others, "This time…this time it's over."

The Riders let out a collective cheer.

[Time stamp: 1 month later]

Will and Mina walked through the halls at college together. "James said he was going to visit this weekend," Will said, "Will you be there?"

"Ironically, I'll be visiting Golden Grove this weekend," she said, "So no. I'll just miss him."

"You won't, actually. He's spent the last few weeks at Crystal Reserve."

Mina sighed, "Nothing's straightforward, is it?"

"No. After the months we experienced, do you expect it to be?" Will asked.

Mina smiled at him, "Well, I'll say hi to Jessica and Tyler for you."

"And I'll say the same to James and Rebecca for you," Will said.

The two came to the door and went outside. Will looked at the sunny sky, "It's going to be a nice day."

"Every day is a nice day, having our parents back. Having our lives back," Mina told him.

He nodded, "Very true. We did our duties."

"You did your duty," she said, "I'm not a Rider."

"You still had a duty. And let's not forget, you were a Rider. At least for a bit."

She nodded, "I did my duty as a Rider."

"We all did. We all earned our titles with this fight," Will said. He set his bag down and drew the belt out from it, "I wonder if I'll ever need this again…"

"Maybe someday," Mina said, "Who knows? But Harper's Coast has a hero now."

"It does," he said, putting the belt away, "Let's go to the beach. Have some fun."

She smiled a little, "You know I'm not a big fan of the beach."

"I know. And that's why I'm inviting you. Let's have some fun."

She sighed and nodded, "Yeah. Let's go."

The two smiled and ran off.

20:53-21:08, 29:21-29:23, 34:44-35:01, 41:51-42:00, 42:03-42:08, 42:09-42:12, 43:42-44:37, 45:47-45:48, 45:53-46:25, 46:28-46:37, 47:06-47:09, 47:12-47:18, 47:31-47:33, 48:23-48:26, 48:32-48:33, 48:47-48:56, 49:02-49:14, 49:21-49:40, 49:56-50:04, 50:12-50:23, 50:50-50:51, 51:02-51:04, 51:13-51:17, 51:19-51:21, 51:29-51:35, 51:38-52:42, 52:54-53:02, 55:27-55:30, 55:34-55:35, 55:37-55:39, 56:00-56:40, 57:38-57:40, 58:22-58:28, 58:55-58:58, 59:12-59:14, 59:17-59:18, 59:20-59:22, 59:24-59:39, 59:48-59:50, 59:59-1:00:09, 1:00:14-1:00:17, 1:00:46-1:00:56, 1:01:07-1:01:26, 1:01:32-1:01:34, 1:01:37-1:01:52

Total footage: 7:13