The ruins of the city burned faintly under the crimson dusk. Nyara, Eternal, and Ahim stood on the broken streets, the weight of the new world pressing heavily around them. Strange glyphs shimmered in the air like glowing embers, remnants of battles fought with weapons far beyond Rider technology.
Eternal's voice was low, measured. "This isn't an ordinary world. The energy here… it's older. Heavier."
Nyara adjusted her stance, her armored tail twitching with unease. "I don't like it. It feels like eyes are everywhere."
Ahim's soft but steady tone tried to reassure them. "Then we must tread carefully. If this world has defenders, we must explain ourselves—"
Before she could finish, a blinding streak of blue light shot down from the rooftops. It slammed into the ground before them, splitting the stone like paper. Dust filled the air.
Out of the smoke stepped a tall warrior in gleaming blue dragon-themed armor, sword resting on his shoulder. His presence radiated confidence and command.
"I am Ryukendo," he declared, voice sharp as steel. "And I won't allow invaders to taint this city."
---
The First Clash
Nyara raised her claws instinctively. "We're not your enemies! We were dragged here by some dimensional rift—"
But Ryukendo didn't wait. His sword, Gekiryuken, flared with golden runes as he swung down at Eternal.
Eternal blocked with his twin blades, sparks scattering across the ground. His voice was calm, but his flames raged. "So much for talking."
Nyara leapt forward, trying to intercept, but another blast of light cut her path. A second warrior arrived—Ryuguno, clad in golden lion armor, cannon braced against his arm.
"You'll find no mercy here, intruders!" he roared, unleashing a barrage of energy blasts.
Nyara dashed between explosions, her claws slicing through the air to deflect the strikes. "Persistent, aren't you?!"
Ahim spun gracefully, her saber deflecting stray blasts as she tried to call out. "Please! We're not your foes!"
But the third came swiftly—Ryujino, the emerald serpent warrior, launching chains infused with magical bullets. They wrapped around Nyara's tail, yanking her off balance.
"Got you, feline," Ryujino hissed.
Nyara growled, slashing through the chains with glowing fury. "Nobody cages me!"
She lunged, her claws colliding against Ryujino's armor in a burst of sparks.
---
Eternal's Duel
Eternal and Ryukendo clashed violently, blade against blade. Blue flames met arcane light, their strikes shaking the ground.
"You carry power… but it burns cold, like death," Ryukendo snarled mid-strike. "That is no power of justice!"
Eternal's eyes narrowed beneath his helmet. "Justice? I'm not here for justice. I fight for survival." He shoved Ryukendo back, blue fire surging around his blades. "And right now, you're standing in my way."
Their duel lit the city in streaks of fire and light, each refusing to yield.
---
Pink's Stand
Ahim, elegant yet firm, parried Ryuguno's cannon swings with her saber, her movements refined but determined.
"Please listen!" she shouted between strikes. "We've fought evil across countless worlds. We are not your enemies!"
But Ryuguno pressed harder, his cannon transforming into a glowing blade. "Then prove it in battle! Show me your resolve!"
Their blades clashed, the sound echoing through the ruins. Ahim's breath grew heavy, but her spirit remained unshaken.
---
Turning Point
At last, the three Riders regrouped. Nyara stood beside Eternal, claws crackling with energy, while Ahim planted herself firmly at their side, saber raised.
Nyara hissed, frustration in her voice. "This is pointless! We're tearing each other apart while the real enemies are still out there!"
Eternal's voice cut coldly. "Then we'll end this quickly."
He lifted his blades, preparing a finisher. Nyara mirrored him, her claws glowing silver.
Ryukendo and his allies did the same, their weapons shining with bullet and magic energy.
For a heartbeat, silence. The air vibrated with sheer force, the next clash certain to shatter everything around them.
---
The Interruption
But before they could strike, a monstrous howl split the air. From the shadows emerged twisted beasts—Feraloids, their bodies warped further by magic. They had followed through the dimensional cracks, drawn to this world's energy.
One lunged at Ryuguno, another at Ahim. Instinctively, both sides turned against the common threat.
Ryukendo cut one down with a flaming arc of Gekiryuken. Eternal's flames engulfed another, reducing it to ashes. Nyara ripped through two more with lightning-fast claw strikes, her tail whipping to smash a third.
For the first time, their attacks synchronized—unplanned, but seamless.
When the dust cleared, only silence remained.
---
The Uneasy Pause
Ryukendo lowered his blade slowly, eyes narrowing. "Feraloids… You fought them as if you knew their weaknesses."
Eternal sheathed his blades with a flick. "Because we've been fighting them far longer than you realize."
Nyara stepped forward, removing her helmet. Her tired eyes met Ryukendo's. "We're not your enemies. We're just lost. And if you keep fighting us instead of them… your world will fall too."
Ahim's gentle voice followed. "Please. Trust us."
Ryuguno and Ryujino exchanged glances, their weapons lowering ever so slightly. Ryukendo, however, remained silent, his eyes searching theirs for deceit.
Finally, he spoke.
"Then prove it… with your actions. Until then, you are watched."
Nyara smirked faintly, slipping her helmet back on. "Fine by me. Just don't get in my way."
Eternal's voice rumbled low. "Let's see if your world survives what's coming."
The uneasy alliance was forged—not through trust, but through necessity.
And in the shadows of the ruined city, the Feraloids multiplied, plotting their next strike.