[velencourte]

I found your introduction to discussions very insightful! One of my favorite facts I learned from you was the story of Amazing Mighty's debut and its behind the scenes decision. Another thing was Chouno's knife -- I didn't have much appreciation for the character but the whole thread has changed my opinion on him.

On the topic of forms, while I don't think we ever had a concrete idea on the symbolism of Dragon, I have some half-baked thoughts regarding it.

Kuuga is a lot about change. The change in rebooting Kamen Rider for the Heisei era, the change in society when Grongi commit mass murders, the changes to individuals as their close ones are killed, the change in Godai as he slowly becomes more violent (out of necessity, and he is painfully aware of that), and the last but most obvious is his changing of forms while progressively getting stronger.

Godai's evolution from Growing to Mighty is the start of his acceptance of his role as Kuuga, but I think Dragon solidifies it. He recognizes he needs to change, and unlocks the ability to grow beyond just his hands and feet to fight. He doesn't just get a neat staff, he unlocks his adaptability allowing for room for other forms.

Additionally, I saw it as an extension of his desire to help others in a more tangible way. The way Xu-Vazuu-Ba drops his victims is pretty on the nail -- Godai literally can't get to them in time. His need to physically reach people he wants to save before harm befalls them manifests in Dragon form; he gains heightened agility and a long weapon to extend his effectiveness.

Now this is totally out of left field, but Dragon is heavily associated with water, which itself is harmonious with life as it is simultaneously the softest substance yet erodes even the hardest rock with time. It flows freely, and gives while asking nothing in return.
I feel like Dragon reflects this in some way, with its softness shown in its physical weakness without the Dragon Rod, but also how Godai himself is easygoing yet finds his way into anyone's heart. Rather than breaking them like a rock, it's more about gently wearing down their apprehension allowing people he talks with to open up to him. Of course, this may overlap into the themes of Pegasus and Godai being a good listener, so take that with a grain of salt!